US-Iran talks in Islamabad have begun! First image from the summit released

The countdown continues before the critical contacts between the US and Iran. The talks, which will be held at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, began at 13:00 Turkish time.

HIGH-LEVEL PARTICIPATION ON THE US SIDE

Vice President JD Vance is leading the US delegation in the negotiations. The delegation also includes Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump.

PROMINENT NAMES IN THE IRANIAN DELEGATION

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is leading the Iranian delegation. The delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin.

***

15:27 | FIRST STATEMENT FROM TRUMP

According to the US channel NewsNation, US President Trump made his first statement after the negotiations began. Trump said, "Talks have begun in Islamabad. Tehran will open the Strait of Hormuz in the not-too-distant future." The US President emphasized that they are ready to take action if the talks with Iran do not go well.

15:09 | STATEMENT FROM IRAN ON LEBANON

Iran does not want to negotiate before preconditions are met. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Iran is in contact with Lebanon to ensure that ceasefire commitments are respected on all fronts.

14:10 | US-IRAN NEGOTIATIONS HAVE BEGUN

A Pakistani source stated to AA that the talks between the US and Iran have begun through Pakistani intermediaries.

14:03 | TEHRAN ADMINISTRATION HAS 4 CONDITIONS

According to Iranian state television, Tehran's "red lines" have been conveyed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Accordingly, Iran's priorities include control over the Strait of Hormuz, payment of war reparations, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a comprehensive ceasefire across the region.

13:50 | CLAIM THAT "DELEGATION HEADS WILL SHAKE HANDS"

According to Al Jazeera's claim, Pakistan is making intense efforts to ensure that the US and Iran hold direct negotiations with the participation of Pakistan. The plan is for the talks to begin with the two delegation heads shaking hands or with a Pakistani official standing between them. A diplomatic source speaking to Al Jazeera said that if Pakistan succeeds, it would be a significant breakthrough and more progress could be made. Otherwise, the talks will be held indirectly and will only last today.

13:33 | FIRST PHOTO FROM THE IRANIAN DELEGATION

As contacts continue in Islamabad, Iranian media shared a photo of the meeting held by their delegation. The image shows the detailed preparations the delegation made before meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

13:15 | DENIAL FROM THE WHITE HOUSE

The White House denied the "frozen assets" claim reported by Reuters, which cited a senior Iranian official. It had been alleged that the US agreed to the release of Iranian assets frozen in Qatar and other foreign banks.

13:04 | VANCE MET WITH SHEHBAZ SHARIF

The White House announced that Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the US delegation, met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The demands of both sides are being conveyed to each other indirectly. If an agreement is reached on these demands, the main talks are expected to begin at 15:00 Turkish time.

12:07 | "HORMUZ IN EXCHANGE FOR FROZEN ASSETS" CONDITION

According to a senior Iranian official, the US has agreed to the release of Iranian assets frozen in Qatar and other foreign banks. The Tehran administration views this step as a "good faith test" for a permanent peace agreement and an indicator of Washington's serious approach to the process. The same official stated that the resolution of these assets is also directly linked to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz before any permanent agreement.

11:48 | IRANIAN DELEGATION MEETS WITH PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER

The Iranian delegation met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad before the peace talks with the US. Following the meeting, Iranian state television announced that the framework for the negotiations to be conducted with the US would be clarified at the end of this contact.

11:10 | WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM THE ISLAMABAD MEETING?

Deniz Kilislioğlu from NTV emphasized that the agreement reached on April 6 contains three main points. These three points are the establishment of a ceasefire, the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the parties meeting in Islamabad for what comes next. Stating that the parties are still at the very beginning of the road, Kilislioğlu said, "Both sides have lists with quite different conditions from each other. Looking at these lists, it seems very difficult for them to find common ground. In the first stage, they are expected to at least clarify the ceasefire in a way that includes Lebanon and establish a format for 15 days. Even extending the duration of the ceasefire would be considered a success."

***

TALKS MAY EXTEND

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the summit as "make or break." While the 71-person Iranian delegation reached the city at night, it was reported that the US delegation also arrived in Islamabad in the morning. There is an emphasis on the possibility that the talks will continue throughout the day and spill over into Sunday.

TOPICS ON THE TABLE

In the talks, the US's 15-point proposal, which includes Iran's enriched uranium and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, is expected to be discussed. It is stated that the Iranian side will bring to the agenda a 10-point plan covering control over the strait, transit fees, the cessation of military activities in the region, and the lifting of sanctions.

The situation in Lebanon is also expected to be one of the important topics in the talks. Israel's continued attacks on Hezbollah targets after the ceasefire had created uncertainty regarding the negotiation process. Iran's demand that the ceasefire also cover Lebanon is expected to be brought up during the talks.