Key Facts
• April 10: U.S. Vice President Pence departs Washington for Islamabad to lead delegation.
• April 10: Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrives in Islamabad.
• April 11: U.S.-Iran talks on ending hostilities scheduled in Islamabad, Pakistan.
• Trump states preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is “99%” of demands.
• Iran conditions talks on ceasefire in Lebanon and lifting asset freezes.
• Trump warns of possible renewed U.S. attacks if negotiations fail.
• Trump reloaded U.S. warships with “best ammunition” as a contingency.
• Ghalibaf expresses distrust toward U.S., citing past attacks during talks.
• Trump uncertain if this will be the final negotiation round.
• Talks include U.S. Middle East envoy Stephen Biegun alongside Pence.
Summary
On April 11, mediated by Pakistan in Islamabad, the United States and Iran convened to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities. The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President Mike Pence, arrived following Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s arrival the previous day. The talks focus primarily on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, which President Trump emphasized as the top priority, accounting for 99% of U.S. demands. Iran set conditions including a ceasefire in Lebanon and lifting sanctions on frozen assets, potentially delaying the talks. Trump indicated readiness to resume military action if negotiations fail and confirmed rearming U.S. naval vessels with advanced munitions. Ghalibaf voiced skepticism about U.S. intentions, referencing prior attacks during negotiations. The outcome of these critical talks was expected within 24 hours, with uncertainty about whether further discussions would follow.
