Uncertainty and contradictions have marred the crucial talks in Islamabad, after a US official categorically rejected assertions that the US has accepted to un-freeze Iranian funds. The rejection came in response to a report, based on information from a high-level Iranian official, indicating that the US had conceded to un-freeze frozen funds in Qatar and other foreign banks. Such an issue is especially sensitive because it is part of two key prerequisites for talks, along with a ceasefire in Lebanon, set out by Iran before starting formal talks.
While the delegations from both nations have arrived in the Pakistani capital, the atmosphere remains thick with suspense. Iranian state media has indicated that the exact timing of the talks will not be confirmed until the status of their preconditions is clarified. Despite this uncertainty, the American team, led by Vice President JD Vance, landed on Saturday morning and was received with significant ceremony by Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Vance is joined by Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff for what are expected to be indirect, "shuttle-style" negotiations facilitated by Pakistani officials.
The fragile nature of the peace process is further complicated by a CNN report, citing US intelligence, which claims China is preparing to ship advanced air defence systems to Iran via third countries. This potential move comes as the current truce is already under immense pressure from continued Israeli military action in Lebanon—a front that Tehran insists should be covered by the ceasefire, despite denials from both Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump.
President Trump, posting on Truth Social as his Vice President travelled to the summit, adopted a characteristically blunt tone. While wishing them the best, he stressed that Iran is "militarily defeated," pledging to reopen the Strait of Hormuz "with or without a deal." He disregarded the power held by Tehran, arguing that their final recourse is the “short-term extortion” of waterways.
In Islamabad, the Iranian delegation — which includes Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi — is maintaining a deeply sceptical stance. Ghalibaf reminded observers that previous dealings with the Americans were defined by "breach of promise," noting that Iran has goodwill but absolutely no trust in the process. He warned that if their prerequisites regarding sanctions and Lebanon are ignored, the entire peace process could be derailed before it truly begins.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has been candid about the significance of the current juncture, referring to it as a "make or break" phase in the region. The situation becomes all the more pressing given that the death toll in Lebanon has risen to almost 2,000 in the past few weeks. The only question that remains to be answered in the coming days is whether this brief ceasefire can lead to a sustainable peace process.
Also read: JD Vance-led delegation lands in Pak for truce talks with Iran
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