The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for peace talks with the United States. Iran delegation arrives in Islamabad with more than 70 members headed by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Security remains tight across the Pakistani capital. “We have good intentions but we do not trust,” Ghalibaf told Iranian state TV. “Our experience negotiating with the Americans has always ended in failure and broken promises.”

US Vice President JD Vance leads the American delegation. He expressed equal caution before leaving Washington. “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we will extend the open hand,” Vance said. But he warned that playing games would not work. Iran has insisted on a truce in Lebanon and unfreezing its assets before talks proceed. Neither has materialized yet. President Trump demanded the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as a condition for the two week ceasefire.

Israeli air strikes continued in Lebanon on Friday despite Iranian demands for a halt. Israel says the US Iran ceasefire does not cover Lebanon. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called this stage “make or break.” He acknowledged that achieving a lasting ceasefire will require hard work. Routes to the Serena Hotel in Islamabad remain blocked with heavy security. Large banners along the expressway herald the “Islamabad Talks.” One Tehran resident called Trump’s statements “pure noise and nonsense.” Meanwhile, Wall Street stocks rose and oil prices tumbled this week as the fragile truce holds. Iran delegation arrives in Islamabad hoping for progress, but both sides remain deeply skeptical.