Critical talks are set to take place in Pakistan, between delegations from the US and Iran. A first step that is considered positive in any case concerns the fact that both delegations are in Islamabad, with the Iranian delegation having landed last night (headed by Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, with Foreign Minister Araghchi among the participants), and the American delegation (headed by JD Vance, accompanied by Witkoff and Kushner) landing on Saturday morning.
Air Force Two carrying the US delegation landed at Pakistan’s capital airport, escorted by two F-16s.
General Munir welcomed both American and Iranian delegations – Different protocol elements for each occasion
During the reception of both the Tehran and Washington delegations, Pakistani General Asim Munir was present, having played his own crucial role in the negotiation process. International media noted that he welcomed the Iranians wearing his military uniform, while he greeted the Americans in a business suit (perhaps remembering the famous confrontation with Volodymyr Zelensky and the related remarks from the White House number two). JD Vance is now at the Serena Hotel, where the talks will take place, for which the White House has not issued any official schedule.
JD Vance has landed in Pakistan. This time, Asim Munir is wearing a suit while welcoming him; previously, he wore a military uniform when welcoming the Iranian delegation. pic.twitter.com/hrCDDC6gdB
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 11, 2026
Arrival of the US Delegation for Islamabad Talks pic.twitter.com/Hai19EZm4I
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 11, 2026
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated today that he hopes the US and Iran will participate constructively in the peace talks as the American mission landed in the Pakistani capital. Dar also reiterated Islamabad’s desire to continue facilitating the parties to achieve a “sustainable and lasting solution to the conflict,” according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
The talks are taking place in an atmosphere of mutual distrust between the US and Iran to end the Middle East war after six weeks of conflict.
Security measures are notably draconian in the Pakistani capital.
Indirect US-Iran talks this afternoon – One day duration according to Tehran – The 2+1 phases
It should be noted that initial reports that talks would begin in the morning were denied by Iran. The Tasnim agency reported that, according to the schedule, the Iranian delegation will meet with Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif today at 1:00 PM local time (11 AM Greek time).
The potential talks between the Iranian and American delegations will take place this afternoon, it added. According to the same source, the talks are scheduled for one day so far, and CNN’s report that they will last several days is inaccurate, Tasnim reported.
It is noted that during the initial phase of talks, the US and Iranian delegations will hold separate bilateral meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who acts as the main mediator.
Subsequently, indirect negotiations are expected to begin, with both sides exchanging demands and positions through Pakistan’s mediating channel, rather than directly.
If constructive progress is made, talks between the delegations will proceed to direct, face-to-face negotiations.
The heads of the Iranian delegation, Ghalibaf and Araghchi, reminded that negotiations with the US cannot begin unless two commitments are first implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iranian assets. The US, for their part, focuses primarily on opening the Strait of Hormuz.
