High-level delegations of US and Iran are set to begin talks in Islamabad to establish lasting peace in West Asia in a short while. A US government aircraft carrying US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance landed in Islamabad. The delegation includes Vice President JD Vance, along with special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, who are leading Washington’s efforts at the talks.

Before his departure for Pakistan, Mr. Vance said he was looking forward to the negotiation, hoping that it would be positive. He said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, US is certainly willing to extend the open hand, but if they are going to try to play with US, then they are going to find that the negotiating team not that receptive.

Iran is represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. In a social media post, Mr. Ghalibaf had said that two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties are yet to be implemented including a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations. He said, these two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin. Talks are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme, ballistic missile development, and the Strait of Hormuz.

The negotiations follow a two-week ceasefire window announced by the US President Trump. The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains a key point of tension. Iran is also seeking guarantees of a permanent end to hostilities, beyond the limited ceasefire framework currently on offer from the US. We spoke to Former diplomat Ashok Sajjanhar for his comments on how hopeful we can be for a postive outcome.