Islamabad, April 11, 2026 — High-level indirect talks between the United States and Iran unfolded in Islamabad on Saturday under intense global scrutiny, but deep mistrust and escalating conflict across the Middle East cast serious doubt over any immediate progress.
Delegations led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf held separate meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, no direct engagement between the U.S. and Iranian sides had been confirmed by late afternoon.
The talks come against the backdrop of continued Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, further complicating diplomatic efforts. Tehran has made it clear that it will only engage in formal negotiations if hostilities in Lebanon cease. According to Lebanese state media, Israeli strikes on Saturday killed at least three people.
Since the conflict erupted on February 28, casualties have mounted sharply, with more than 3,000 deaths reported in Iran, 1,953 in Lebanon, and 23 in Israel, along with additional fatalities across Gulf countries. The ongoing war has effectively disrupted the Persian Gulf’s role in global energy supply chains, driving oil prices significantly higher and damaging key infrastructure.
Public sentiment in Iran reflects deep skepticism. Tehran resident Shahab Banitaba expressed doubts over any lasting agreement, citing fears that even a finalized deal could collapse under renewed tensions.
Ahead of the talks, U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media, asserting that Iranian negotiators “hold no cards” and accusing Tehran of exploiting the Strait of Hormuz for “extortion.”
Vice President Vance struck a cautiously optimistic tone but warned that any attempt by Iran to “play games” would be met with a firm response. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Tehran entered the talks with “deep distrust,” recalling previous instances where negotiations coincided with military attacks.
Security in Islamabad was tightened to an unprecedented level, with roads sealed and residents advised to remain indoors, leaving the usually bustling capital resembling a city under curfew.
In parallel developments, Lebanon’s presidency indicated that direct talks between Israel and Lebanon could begin in Washington on Tuesday. Israel has demanded that the Lebanese government take responsibility for disarming Hezbollah—a move widely viewed as difficult given the group’s entrenched military presence.
Israel has also maintained that any ceasefire with Iran would not extend to Hezbollah, a stance that risks undermining broader diplomatic efforts. Notably, on the very day a ceasefire was announced, Israeli strikes in Beirut reportedly killed more than 300 people—the deadliest single day since the conflict began.
At the center of the geopolitical standoff is the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively leveraged as a strategic pressure point. Vessel traffic through the vital shipping lane has dropped dramatically—from over 100 ships daily to just 12 following the ceasefire. Tehran has proposed imposing transit fees on passing vessels as part of a future agreement, a plan rejected by the U.S., Oman, and most other countries.
Despite a slight dip to $97 per barrel on Friday, Brent crude prices remain about 30% higher than pre-war levels, underscoring the global economic stakes tied to the الأزمة.
With entrenched positions, ongoing violence, and competing strategic demands, the path toward de-escalation remains uncertain, leaving the international community watching closely for any signs of a diplomatic breakthrough.
