US-Iran Talks Begin in Pakistan on Lasting Ceasefire

Senior U.S. and Iranian officials convened in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday for the first round of direct talks aimed at transforming a two-week ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement following a regional war that erupted on February 28. The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, and Iran's team, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, arrived amid heightened security measures that locked down parts of the capital, leaving its streets unusually deserted.

The negotiations come at a critical juncture, with both sides publicly staking out firm positions. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is part of the delegation, insisted that discussions would proceed only if a ceasefire takes hold in Lebanon and frozen Iranian assets are released. Araghchi expressed deep distrust toward the U.S., citing prior strikes on Iran during earlier diplomatic efforts, and stated that Tehran stands ready to retaliate against any renewed attacks. Vance, speaking before departing Washington, voiced optimism about the talks but cautioned that the U.S. team would not tolerate gamesmanship, saying, "If they're going to try and play us, then they're...