US-Iran Talks in Islamabad Seek Conflict Resolution, Hormuz Access

Islamabad, Pakistan—High-level delegations from the United States and Iran arrived in the Pakistani capital on Friday for direct talks aimed at resolving their ongoing conflict and restoring passage through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the most significant engagement between the two nations since 1979. The negotiations, hosted under tight security amid a fragile two-week ceasefire, seek to build on a truce announced earlier this week following months of escalation that has killed thousands and disrupted global energy supplies.

The talks come after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February ignited the war, prompting Tehran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for one-fifth of the world's oil. The resulting shortages have driven up energy prices worldwide and strained economies, including Pakistan's, which relies heavily on regional stability due to its proximity to Iran and ties with Gulf states. U.S. Vice President JD Vance is leading the American delegation, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iranian participation remained uncertain as of Friday, with officials in Tehran conditioning their attendance on a halt to Israeli attacks...