Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met United States Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad as senior American and Iranian officials began high level negotiations aimed at turning a fragile ceasefire into a broader Middle East settlement. Sharif expressed hope that the talks would lead to durable regional peace, while separate meetings were also held with an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The negotiations follow a two week truce after intense conflict that disrupted Gulf energy production and triggered global economic concerns. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key intermediary after weeks of diplomatic outreach, hosting what could become the first direct talks between the United States and Iran since their 2015 nuclear agreement.

Major disagreements remain, including Iran’s demands for sanctions relief, recognition of its nuclear enrichment rights, control over the Strait of Hormuz and a halt to hostilities in Lebanon. The United States and Israel maintain that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, raising doubts about how quickly progress can be achieved despite cautious optimism from both sides.