Islamabad, 11 April (H.S.):

High‑stakes talks between the United States and Iran have begun at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, with the aim of securing a permanent end to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia. The American delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, while the Iranian side is headed by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The world is closely watching the negotiations and their possible outcomes.

According to Pakistani media reports, discussions on the ceasefire agreement are taking place in Islamabad’s Serena Hotel following the earlier announcement of a two‑week truce. On the US side, the talks are being led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son‑in‑law Jared Kushner. The Iranian delegation is being led by Ghalibaf, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also present.

The United States and Israel carried out a major joint military attack on Iran on 28 February, targeting nuclear sites and military installations. During that strike, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed. In retaliation, Iran struck back at Israel and at all Gulf states hosting US military bases. The US sought help from NATO members, but NATO countries showed no interest in joining the conflict.

Iran then gained control over the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the United States and Israel to the negotiating table. Its move triggered a global energy crisis, sharply disrupting gas and oil supplies worldwide. Later, on 8 April, the United States announced a ceasefire, and the negotiations on the ceasefire agreement are now being held in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as the mediator.

However, US President Donald Trump has warned that if the talks fail, Washington could resume military action against Iran. Trump’s main priorities are reopening the Strait of Hormuz and gaining control over Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran, in turn, has set preconditions for the talks, including a ceasefire in Lebanon, the unblocking of Iranian assets, and the easing or removal of sanctions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar