ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan-mediated talks between Iran and the United States concluded in Islamabad after 14 hours, with both sides agreeing to resume negotiations on Sunday despite remaining differences.
The dialogue, which entered its third round, featured direct engagement between the delegations alongside intensive expert-level discussions. Technical teams exchanged written proposals after prolonged in-person meetings, signalling movement into a detailed negotiation phase.
Iranian officials said the process had reached the expert stage, with economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees actively participating. Discussions at the Serena Hotel focused on narrowing gaps and finalising technical aspects, though key differences persist.
The talks come against the backdrop of a two-week ceasefire in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The conflict erupted on February 28, sending shockwaves across the Middle East and global markets, before Pakistan helped broker a temporary ceasefire on April 8 to create space for diplomacy.
High-level delegations from both countries arrived in Islamabad for the negotiations. The US side is led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran’s delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and senior officials.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with both delegations, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and promoting regional and global peace. He expressed hope that the Islamabad talks would serve as a foundation for meaningful and lasting stability.
