US-Iran-Pakistan Trilateral Talks Begin
US and Iranian delegations began trilateral talks on October 11 (local time) in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Reuters, citing Pakistani sources, reported that the negotiations commenced around 5:30 PM Pakistan time. Iranian media outlets IRNA, Tasnim, and Mehr, along with US media CBS and journalists from NewsNation, as well as reporters from Iran's state TV in Islamabad, also confirmed the start of the meeting. A White House correspondent for NewsNation stated that they received confirmation the talks officially began following a call with US President Donald Trump. The meeting comes four days after both sides agreed to a two-week ceasefire on October 7.
The US delegation, reportedly comprising approximately 300 individuals, is led by Vice President JD Vance and includes figures such as Jared Kushner and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. The Iranian delegation consists of around 70 members, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), and the Governor of the Central Bank. Prior to the talks, both delegations held separate meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Key agenda items for the discussions are expected to include measures to end the conflict, the resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's nuclear program. Iran is reportedly presenting its demands, which include a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, the lifting of sanctions against Iran and the release of frozen assets, and compensation for war damages.
The Serena Hotel has been designated as the venue for the talks. Regular hotel guests have been asked to check out, and the surrounding area is under a complete traffic lockdown. Pakistani authorities have deployed military and police forces throughout Islamabad.
AFP news agency anticipates that the US and Iranian delegations will engage in indirect talks, with Pakistani officials facilitating the exchange of proposals in separate meeting rooms. CNN broadcast estimates that the negotiations could take several days, while Iran's Tasnim news agency reported a high probability that the talks might conclude within a single day.