(Image source from: AP)
All attention is focused on Pakistan this weekend, where important discussions between the US and Iran are crucial for both Middle Eastern citizens and the global economy at large. A two-week ceasefire that made these negotiations possible is still active, but its reliability is in question. The strong attacks by Israel on Hezbollah and ongoing arguments about Lebanon's inclusion in the deal pose risks to the talks. Washington and Tehran are set to begin their first meeting in Islamabad today. The US group includes Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. JD Vance arrived in Islamabad around 11:15 am (IST). Before getting on his flight to Pakistan, Vance showed hope, telling the press, "We're eager for the negotiation. I believe it will be a good outcome. "
The Iranian team is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for the discussions. The Trump administration has created its own 15-point plan, though specifics are not yet shared. This proposal supposedly asks Iran to give up nuclear weapons, hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, agree to restrictions on its military power, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A key challenge that remains unsolved is Lebanon's role in the ceasefire, which continues to create doubt over the upcoming talks. Iran asserts that the ceasefire protects against any attacks on Hezbollah, its ally based in Lebanon, reflecting Pakistan's role as the mediator. However, the US and Israel argue that Lebanon is not covered by the ceasefire. As Vance was heading to Pakistan on Friday, Ghalibaf stated that negotiations with the US could not begin without a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's frozen funds abroad.
On Thursday, Vance reiterated that the ceasefire would break apart if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Trump cautioned the Islamic Republic not to charge fees for tankers using the important waterway.
