Iran–US Talks In Islamabad Conducted First Indirectly, Then Directly: Sources

Iran‑US peace talks being hosted in Islamabad began with indirect channels mediated by Pakistan before moving to direct face‑to‑face negotiations between visiting delegations, official sources in the Pakistani capital have said. The format marked a shift from the “proximity talks”–style message‑shuttling that characterized earlier rounds of diplomacy, to a more conventional summit‑style meeting with both sides in the same room.

The process started with separate meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office and the US and Iranian delegations on Saturday, according to Pakistani officials briefed on the session. Following these preliminary discussions, Pakistani interlocutors relayed messages and proposals back and forth between the two sides, maintaining Pakistan’s role as a facilitator rather than a direct negotiator.

The indirect, Pakistan‑mediated phase was followed by a bout of direct talks that lasted roughly two and a half hours, held in the presence of Pakistani officials. The Iranian delegation was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Galibaf, while the US team was headed by Vice President JD Vance, underscoring the high‑level political weight both sides attached to the Islamabad talks.

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Sources said Pakistan remained involved at every stage of the process, from the initial shuttle diplomacy to the final direct session. Islamabad’s role has been framed domestically as an effort to help keep negotiations alive amid deep differences over the ceasefire, sanctions, and regional security arrangements.

The move from purely indirect channels to direct engagement in Islamabad comes after weeks of war‑related talks being conducted through intermediaries, including in March when Pakistan’s foreign minister described the US and Iran as being in “indirect talks” via message exchanges. Officials now say the shift reflects a modest but significant step toward de‑escalation, even though the two sides have yet to reach a final deal to end hostilities.

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