Vice President JD Vance held a significant bilateral meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Saturday, marking a crucial diplomatic engagement as the United States pursues negotiations with Iran following recent military escalations.
The meeting, which was not open to the travelling press pool, included senior American officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Video footage of the meeting was provided by Pakistan's Ministry of Information.
Iran Ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz Agreement
The diplomatic outreach comes after President Donald Trump announced what he termed "major combat operations" against Iran on February 28, involving significant joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian military and government installations. However, the situation shifted dramatically when Trump agreed to suspend planned bombing for two weeks, contingent on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded positively, stating that "safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran's Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the ceasefire agreement, though he clarified that Lebanon — where Israeli military operations have intensified — remains outside the arrangement despite Iranian objections.
Pakistan's Critical Mediation Role
Pakistan is serving as a crucial intermediary in these negotiations. Iranian state television reported Saturday that the timing of direct talks with the U.S. delegation will be determined after Iran's preconditions are clarified through meetings with Pakistani mediators.
Iran's delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and specialized technical teams in economic, legal, and military affairs, all led by senior officials in their respective fields. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is expected to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif to assess the status of Iran's preconditions before formal discussions commence.
Denial of Asset Release Agreement
A senior U.S. official firmly denied reports from Reuters suggesting the United States has agreed to release Iran's frozen assets held in Qatar and other foreign banks. "False. The meetings have not even started yet," the official stated, clarifying that substantive discussions are still in their preliminary stages.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry officially announced the arrival of the U.S. delegation in Islamabad, releasing both a statement and video documentation of the visit. These high-stakes negotiations represent a critical moment in U.S.-Iran relations as both sides explore potential pathways toward de-escalation following weeks of military tension.
This report is based on information provided by ABC News and official statements from the White House, U.S. State Department, Pakistani Foreign Ministry, and Iranian state television.