Vance meets Sharif in Islamabad as parallel US-Iran talks test fragile ceasefire, with high-level diplomacy shaping the next phase of regional security dynamics, reports London Daily Newsdesk
US Vice President J. D. Vance met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Saturday as high-stakes diplomacy intensified around parallel US-Iran peace talks taking place in the Pakistani capital.
The meeting, confirmed by the White House and reported by Al Jazeera, comes at a critical juncture, with Islamabad emerging as the focal point of efforts to stabilise a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. The discussions between Vance and Sharif are part of broader diplomatic engagement unfolding alongside negotiations involving senior American and Iranian delegations.
Meanwhile, an Iranian delegation led by Speaker of the Iranian Consultative Assembly, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also met PM Sharif in Islamabad.
Security was visibly heightened across the city, particularly around the Serena Hotel, where key delegations have been holding discussions. Movement of officials and convoys underscored the scale and sensitivity of the diplomatic exercise now underway.
The American delegation includes Vice President Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, reflecting the importance Washington has attached to the talks. On the Pakistani side, senior representation includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside Prime Minister Sharif.
The diplomatic activity follows what Sharif has described as “make or break” negotiations, aimed at preserving a tenuous ceasefire and exploring a pathway towards broader regional stability. The current phase of talks comes days after a ceasefire announcement on April 8, which temporarily reduced hostilities but left several contentious issues unresolved.
The tone from Tehran remains cautious. Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref suggested that the success of the negotiations would depend heavily on Washington’s approach. In remarks posted on X, he indicated that a mutually beneficial agreement was possible, but warned that failure could lead to renewed confrontation and higher global costs.
Reports also highlighted the extraordinary security arrangements surrounding the Iranian delegation’s arrival. According to Al Jazeera, the aircraft carrying Iranian officials was escorted into Pakistani airspace by a full spectrum of aerial protection, including surveillance and fighter support, underlining the sensitivity of the mission.
Officials familiar with the process say the window for negotiations is narrow, with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council indicating a limited timeframe of around two weeks to reach meaningful progress.
