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Historic US-Iran Direct Talks Begin in Pakistan Amid Fragile Ceasefire

The United States and Iran have commenced face-to-face negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, following a fragile two-week ceasefire in their ongoing conflict.

Key Points

  • Direct US-Iran negotiations began in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 11, 2026.
  • Talks were facilitated by Pakistan and followed a reduction in Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
  • U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials met separately with Pakistani leadership.
  • The negotiations aim to solidify a fragile two-week ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

Full Details

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the United States and Iran began historic direct negotiations in Pakistan, marking a significant diplomatic shift after weeks of conflict. The talks, held at the heavily fortified Serena Hotel in Islamabad, were facilitated by Pakistan and followed progress in earlier indirect discussions. U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived for the talks, and Iranian officials met separately with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The negotiations were conditioned on a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon and other Iranian preconditions, even as Israel continued strikes in Lebanon on Saturday. This development comes as a fragile two-week ceasefire holds, aiming to end a war that has killed thousands and disrupted global markets in its seventh week.

Why It Matters

This dialogue could de-escalate a major regional conflict, stabilize global energy markets, and reshape Middle East geopolitics if successful.

Sourcewashingtonpost.com

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