US, Iran, and Pakistan Launch Three-Party Talks in Islamabad

Key Points

• US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad for direct talks with Iranian officials.
• The talks follow a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon that met pre-conditions.
• U.S. officials plan to seek the release of American citizens held in Iran during negotiations.

Full Details

On April 11, 2026, U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad for direct talks with Iranian officials, facilitated by Pakistan, following a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon that met pre-conditions for negotiations. The talks represent a significant diplomatic shift, as they are the first direct U.S.-Iran discussions after earlier indirect contacts, with Iran's IRNA news agency confirming the start of three-party negotiations. U.S. officials indicated that the talks would include requests for the release of American citizens held in Tehran as part of a broader effort to end the regional conflict. The White House described the emerging cease-fire as 'fragile,' and former President Trump publicly pledged to halt U.S. bombing of Iran for two weeks to stabilize the Middle East while diplomatic channels remain open.