High-level negotiations between the United States and Iran are expected to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan, amid a fragile two-week ceasefire that has temporarily paused U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite the truce, tensions in the region remain high as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and Israeli bombardments in Lebanon continue.

The U.S. delegation is being led by Vice President JD Vance, who has arrived in Pakistan’s capital to oversee the negotiations. He is joined by White House envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner.

The Iranian delegation is headed by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

According to Iranian officials, negotiations will not begin unless Washington first takes concrete steps, including unblocking Iranian financial assets and ensuring a ceasefire in Lebanon. Qalibaf stated that these conditions are necessary to create a constructive environment for meaningful dialogue.

The talks, brokered by Pakistan, are seen as a critical diplomatic effort to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East and potentially reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.