High-stakes talks with us: Watch: Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad for high-stakes talks with US amid fragile ceasefire –

A high-level Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late on Friday for crucial peace talks with the United States, while intensifying efforts to stabilize a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East conflict.The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said that the delegation was received at the airport by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Army Commander Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Dar expressed hope for constructive engagement and stressed Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating a “lasting and lasting solution.”

The talks come days after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire in the six-week war, even as tensions remain high.

Iran sets conditions before talks

Even when it agreed to participate, Tehran cast doubt on the immediate start of negotiations by insisting that certain preconditions be met. According to Reuters, Iran wants the release of seized financial assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel continues its operations against Hezbollah, before the start of official talks.Speaking upon his arrival in Islamabad, Ghalibaf reiterated Iran’s suspicions towards Washington.

He said, “Our experience in negotiations with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises. We have good intentions but no trust.”The delegation itself reflects the seriousness of the talks. It includes about 70 members, including senior officials and technical experts in the economic, political, security and legal fields. The breadth of representation suggests that discussions could include issues ranging from sanctions relief and nuclear concerns to regional security and control of major energy routes.Iran has also maintained a hardline stance on its strategic interests, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit corridor over which Tehran continues to influence. The blockade has already disrupted energy supplies around the world and contributed to high inflation and economic uncertainty.

The United States warns of “bad faith” negotiations

Meanwhile, US Vice President J.D. Vance, who will head the US delegation and is expected to arrive in Islamabad soon, warned that Washington is open to talks but will not tolerate bad faith. He added: “If they try to manipulate us, they will find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.”Washington’s primary goals are believed to include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and addressing its regional military situation. However, analysts point out that the gap between US demands and Iran’s conditions remains wide.Despite Trump’s assertion that Iran has been weakened militarily, Reuters reported that Tehran still maintains significant missile and drone capabilities, along with a large stockpile of enriched uranium.

Conversations are seen as a “make or break” moment.

Earlier, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as a “critical stage,” highlighting the risks as the two sides try to overcome major differences and prevent renewed escalation in the region.While the ceasefire has halted direct hostilities, parallel conflicts continue to complicate the situation. Israeli strikes continued in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah responded by firing rockets, raising fears that the truce might collapse.

In addition, disagreements over the scope of the ceasefire, especially whether it includes Lebanon, have further strained the fragile understanding between the two parties.With global energy markets in turmoil and geopolitical tensions rising, the Islamabad talks represent a crucial attempt to prevent a return to full-scale conflict. However, with deep mistrust and competing demands on both sides, the path to a permanent agreement remains uncertain.