Iran sets hard terms as delegation lands in Islamabad for high-stakes US talks

An Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad on April 10 for crucial talks with the United States, declaring that formal negotiations will proceed only if Washington agrees to Tehran’s preconditions.

The visit marks the opening of a sensitive diplomatic window, with both sides attempting to navigate a fragile ceasefire and decades of hostility dating back to the Iranian Revolution.

Iranian media confirmed the arrival of the delegation, which includes senior political, military and economic officials such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Supreme National Defense Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati.

Firm stance before talks

Tehran has made it clear that negotiations hinge on key demands, including sanctions relief and broader regional security assurances. Iranian leaders have also insisted that any ceasefire framework must extend to Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The talks, hosted by Pakistan, are expected to bring Iranian and US officials face-to-face at the highest level in decades. However, uncertainty looms over whether Tehran’s conditions could delay or derail discussions.

US delegation arrives with caution

A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is also in Islamabad for the weekend talks.

Officials in Washington have tempered expectations. The White House has signaled skepticism about any immediate breakthrough, particularly on reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Vice President Vance said the US was willing to “extend the open hand,” but internal assessments suggest progress will be slow and uncertain.

Ceasefire tied to Lebanon conflict

Iran has linked any ceasefire agreement to developments in Lebanon, where Israel continues its offensive against Hezbollah, a key Tehran ally. Despite initial understandings, Israel recently intensified strikes, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back operations, with separate US-mediated talks on Lebanon expected in Washington next week.

Wide gaps remain

Substantial differences persist between the two sides. Tehran’s proposed 10-point plan calls for sweeping concessions, including lifting sanctions and recognizing its authority over the Strait of Hormuz—demands that would significantly reshape regional power dynamics.

In contrast, Washington is pushing for Iran to abandon its enriched uranium stockpiles, halt nuclear activities, curb its missile programme and end support for regional allies. The US is also expected to press for the release of American detainees held in Iran.

With both sides entrenched in their positions, the Islamabad talks are poised to test whether diplomacy can bridge one of the world’s most enduring geopolitical divides.