Islamabad: The first round of talks between the US and Iran commenced in the Pakistani capital to negotiate a permanent ceasefire following a two-week temporary truce between the two nations, official sources informed Anadolu.

According to Anadolu Agency, the two delegations are engaging in separate meetings with Pakistani officials at a five-star hotel in Islamabad to facilitate preliminary discussions before any direct talks occur between the US and Iran. The sources noted, “We cannot say at the moment when the two delegations will sit face-to-face. At the moment, they are holding talks with Pakistani officials.”

The significant diplomatic engagement, termed the “Islamabad Talks,” began following individual meetings held by the Iranian and US delegations with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier in the day. This marks a notable high-level bilateral interaction between the US and Iran since 1979, as both delegations arrived separately in Islamabad for the discussions.

The American delegation is led by US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. In contrast, the Iranian delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Bagher Qalibaf, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and National Security Council deputy Ali Bagheri Kani among the members.

Representing Islamabad in the talks is Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, with assistance from army chief Gen. Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, insiders revealed.