US and Iran Begin Peace Talks in Islamabad Amidst Heightened Tensions

Islamabad. Peace talks between Iranian and American delegations have commenced in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. According to Pakistani government officials, the discussions began at 4:00 PM on Saturday at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad.

The international community is closely monitoring these talks, which aim to de-escalate long-standing tensions and conflict. The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Friday night, while the US delegation reached the city on Saturday morning.

The first phase of these talks is being conducted through intermediaries rather than direct engagement. Pakistani officials are facilitating the exchange of messages between the two sides. Government officials indicated that if initial discussions prove positive and a suitable environment is established, there is a possibility for US and Iranian officials to hold direct, face-to-face talks. Currently, both parties are staying at the same hotel, but communication is occurring solely through Pakistani diplomats.

While the talks are underway, US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is suffering a severe defeat in this conflict. In a lengthy post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump asserted that despite media portrayals suggesting an Iranian victory, the reality is that Iran is facing a crushing defeat.

He stated that Iran's navy and air force have been neutralized, anti-aircraft systems and radar have been destroyed, and missile and drone factories have been completely demolished. He further claimed that Iran's long-standing leadership is no longer in power and mentioned that the US has begun clearing sea mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of nations worldwide.

Previously, on the morning of April 8, Trump announced via Truth Social that following conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, he had suspended bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks.

Prior to this, Trump had pressured Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to send the country back to the 'Stone Age' if it failed to comply. Following Trump's announcement, Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction, stating that the US and Iran had agreed to an immediate ceasefire in all locations, including Lebanon.

With the announcement of the ceasefire, Prime Minister Sharif praised the leadership of both nations and invited their negotiating teams to Islamabad on Friday, April 10, 2026, to seek a final resolution to the remaining disputes. It is in response to this invitation that the current atmosphere for talks has been established in Islamabad.

However, prior to the commencement of talks, the Iranian delegation had set strict conditions, including a demand for a complete ceasefire in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iranian assets held by the US. The direction in which these talks, initiated amidst complex conditions and mutual accusations, will steer Middle Eastern tensions remains to be determined by developments in the coming days.