Deep divisions on nuclear issue and sanctions may cast a shadow, but best case will be for the talks to last 14 days, analysts say
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenShi Jiangtaoin Hong Kong,Fan Chenin Hong KongandCao Jiaxuanin IslamabadPublished: 11:46am, 11 Apr 2026Direct peace talks between the United States and Iran are due to begin in Pakistan with the US delegation led by Vice-President J.D. Vance expected to arrive in Islamabad shortly.The Iranian delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, landed in Islamabad early on Saturday for what will be the first direct negotiations since the war began more than five weeks ago.
Deep mistrust continues to overshadow the talks aimed at reinforcing a fragile two-week ceasefire and ending hostilities.
Upon arrival, Ghalibaf said Tehran came with “goodwill”, but stressed its lack of trust in the US, citing what he described as betrayals during previous negotiations and “broken promises”, according to the Tasnim news agency.
“Twice within less than a year, in the middle of negotiations, and despite the Iranian side’s good faith, they attacked us and committed numerous war crimes,” he said.
He said Iran was prepared to accept a genuine agreement that secured its rights, but would rely on its own capabilities if the US acted deceitfully.
