ISLAMABAD: Direct negotiations between delegations from Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan, entered a third round on Sunday, with expert-level discussions intensifying as both sides examined each other’s demands in detail.
The talks, being held at the Serena Hotel, moved into a technical phase after teams of experts from both countries exchanged written proposals following hours-long face-to-face discussions late Saturday night.
According to Iranian officials, the dialogue has progressed to an “expert-level stage,” involving specialised committees focusing on economic, military, legal, and nuclear issues. Negotiations are continuing to finalise key technical aspects of a potential agreement.
The discussions are taking place under the cover of a two-week ceasefire in the conflict involving Iran, which began after US-Israeli strikes on February 28. The hostilities, which reverberated across the Middle East and disrupted global economic stability, were temporarily halted on April 8 following mediation efforts by Pakistan.
High-level delegations from both sides are participating in the Islamabad talks. The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by senior adviser Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
The Iranian side is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials also part of the delegation.
By midnight, three rounds of talks had been completed, reflecting the intensity and urgency of the negotiations aimed at finding a pathway to a lasting resolution.
In a statement shared on social media, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Tehran’s delegation remains “fully committed” to protecting the country’s national interests. He expressed confidence that the team would negotiate with resolve, adding that regardless of the outcome, the government would continue to stand by its people.
The Islamabad talks are being closely watched worldwide, as they represent a critical diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions and potentially bring an end to a conflict that has had far-reaching regional and global consequences.
In a post on X, state broadcaster PTV News said: “Peace talks of historic significance between Iran and the United States have commenced in Islamabad, where for the first time after tensions, representatives from both sides are sitting directly at the same table.”
It said the arrival of high-level delegations, Pakistan’s effective diplomacy and positive statements from global leaders had further strengthened hopes for a ceasefire and lasting peace in the region, adding that “the eyes of the world are focused on the outcomes of these crucial negotiations.”
Iran’s Press TV released a picture of the Iranian negotiating team during the talks. Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian said the country’s delegation was the “staunch guardian of Iran’s interests with all its might, and in this vein, it will engage in negotiations with courage.
“In any case, our service to the people will not pause for a moment, and whatever the outcome of the negotiations may be, the government stands firmly by the people’s side.”
On the event’s sidelines, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Iranian Central Bank Governor Dr Abdolnasser Hemmati.
Both sides emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue and noted that peace and stability in the region remained essential for economic cooperation and shared progress.
