Delegations from the United States and Iran are meeting today, Saturday, in Islamabad to discuss steps toward a permanent end to the ongoing war. The Iranian delegation arrived Friday afternoon, while the US team was expected overnight. Despite Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon violating the ceasefire, Pakistan confirmed that the long-anticipated talks would proceed. The meeting is being held at the Serena Hotel near Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry under unprecedented security measures, with major roads closed and military personnel deployed across the city.

The US delegation includes Vice President JD Vance, adviser Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, while Iran’s team is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior officials are mediating. The discussions are expected to last several days and will be based on Iran’s ten-point proposal, which includes conditions for the Strait of Hormuz and ceasefire terms.

The talks come amid uncertainty as Israeli strikes continue in Lebanon, threatening the ceasefire. Both sides remain divided over Hormuz tolls and regional security, raising doubts about the meeting’s outcome.