US and Iranian delegations meet Pakistani PM to launch peace talkslaunch peace talks on West Asia war
Senior delegations from the United States and Iran met separately with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on April 11, 2026, to kick off negotiations aimed at ending a war in West Asia that began six weeks ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The US team, led by Vice President JD Vance and including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived to discuss issues like reopening the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, nuclear enrichment, and regional attacks. Pakistan is hosting the talks at the Serena Hotel, with the format for direct US-Iran discussions still undecided.
The conflict has closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted global shipping and oil prices, and caused thousands of deaths across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and Gulf states. These high-stakes talks seek to build on a recent truce and reported US and Iranian proposals, potentially easing tensions if progress is made on key demands from both sides.
US Perspective
Vice President JD Vance warned Iran against playing games before arriving in Islamabad. US negotiators demand Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran closed after US-Israeli attacks on February 28. President Trump called Iran's 10-point plan a workable basis, while the US has its own 15-point proposal covering sanctions and nuclear issues.
Iranian Perspective
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed deep distrust toward the US, citing past failures and broken promises. Iran plans to raise alleged US ceasefire violations during talks. The delegation met first with Sharif, with future direct talks uncertain amid competing preconditions.
- Pakistan's Serena Hotel chain operates luxury properties across South Asia, blending modern amenities with local heritage architecture.
- The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, named after ancient Hormuz Island off Iran's coast.
- Shehbaz Sharif previously served as Punjab province chief minister, Pakistan's most populous region.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
