Iran-US peace talks begin in Islamabad with mutual distrust

Iran and US delegation leaders opened peace talks in Islamabad today with stark warnings about mutual distrust, as both nations attempt to negotiate lasting peace in the Gulf region. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf stated, "We have good intentions, but we do not have trust," citing past failed negotiations with Americans. US Vice President JD Vance countered before departing, "If [the Iranians are] going to attempt to manipulate us, they will discover that the negotiating team is not particularly accommodating."

President Trump declared his primary objective is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, calling it "99% of the issue." However, Iran demands halt to Israeli strikes on Lebanon and unblocking of Hormuz shipping as prerequisites for any truce. Iranian representatives insist negotiations cannot commence without assurances on Lebanon and unfreezing of seized assets. Both US and Israel maintain Lebanon is outside ceasefire agreement scope.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as "make or break" stage, with heavy security at Serena Hotel venue. The discussions carry significant implications for global oil markets through Hormuz shipping lanes and Middle East stability.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/11/islamabad-talks-we-dont-trust-us-despite-our-good-intentions-iran/