US, Iran hold first face-to-face meeting in decades marking a significant moment for two countries Marathon meet
ISLAMABAD:
Mediated by Pakistan, senior figures from Iran and the United States held a 14-hour long talks on Saturday, including first face-to-face meeting at the highest level since 1979, in Islamabad, seeking to iron out key differences ranging from the Strait of Hormuz to a host of broader strategic issues, however, marathon negotiations have yet to reach its logical end.
As a result, talks would continue today (Sunday), confirmed by the official X handle of the Iranian government early Sunday.
A brief statement issued by the Iranian government hinted at progress during the high-stakes negotiations, mediated by Pakistan.
“Iran-US talks mediated by Pakistan concluded after 14 hours. Technical teams from both sides are now exchanging expert texts. Negotiations will continue despite some remaining differences,” the statement said.
The American delegation included Vice President JD Vance, President Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Whereas Iranian side was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was also part of the delegation.
There was, however, no statement from the host country, Pakistan, about the state of negotiations till the filing of this report.
Some observers believe the fact talks extended to the third round was itself seen as a progress. Also, the first direct meeting at the highest level between Iran and the US is also considered a significant headway.
A White House confirmed that trilateral discussions, involving Pakistani interlocutors were held, describing the process as “historic” given Islamabad’s role as mediator.
Talks held entirely behind closed doors under tight security, marked the highest-level face-to-face engagement between Tehran and Washington since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The Iranian state media reported that during talks both sides exchanged drafts and some proposals. The Iranian media close to IRGC said the deadlock persisted on the Strait of Hormuz.
The US wanted a joint control of the key waterway from where 20 per cent of the global oil supply passes.
Since the war, Iran has effectively controlled the Strait and Tehran insisted it won’t compromise on it.
The second phase of the talks involved direct engagement at the leadership level, followed by a third phase where technical experts from both sides took over to deliberate on the finer details of competing proposals.
Despite the cautious optimism, the Iranian state media acknowledged that differences persist, particularly on sensitive issues such as maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Sources also confirmed that negotiations continued late into the night between Saturday and Sunday, underscoring the intensity and urgency surrounding the diplomatic effort.
Officials maintained that Islamabad would continue to play its role as a facilitator, expressing hope that the ongoing engagement would mark a step towards de-escalation and eventual resolution of a long-standing conflict that has had far-reaching regional and global implications.
In Washington, US President Donald Trump told reporters that it makes no difference to him whether a deal is reached with Iran. “Regardless what happens, we win,” Trump said as he departed the White House for Florida, later adding: “Whether we make a deal or not, makes no difference to me.”
Vice President JD Vance is in Pakistan negotiating with Iranian officials, which the president acknowledged has been going on “for many hours.”
“We’ve totally defeated that country and so let’s see what happens,” Trump said. “Maybe they make a deal, maybe they don’t, it doesn’t matter. From the standpoint of America, we win.”
Prior to the negotiations, separate meetings were held between the visiting delegations and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed hope that both sides would move forward in a “constructive manner.”
The capital city has effectively been placed under a security lockdown, with limited access to key areas and an unusually high presence of law enforcement personnel.
Information flow remained tightly controlled, with journalists despite arriving in large numbers from across the world being given minimal official briefings.
A media facilitation centre has been set up at the Jinnah Convention Centre, where international and local reporters are stationed as they await updates on the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump took to social media, claiming that Iran was “losing badly” and asserting that the Strait of Hormuz would “soon be opened”, a remark that analysts see as part of Washington’s negotiating posture.
On the other side, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a post on X that the country’s high-level delegation in Pakistan was “firmly safeguarding Iran’s national interests” and would continue to engage with determination.
