New York : Ceasefire efforts between the US and Iran in Pakistan hit headwinds. A wall of distrust has already risen between the US and Iran, casting a shadow over ceasefire efforts in Pakistan even before talks could begin. Despite the four hours since landing, the US delegation — led by Vice President JD Vance and Jared Kushner — has not held direct talks with Iran.
In the absence of direct talks between the warring sides, the possibility of a three-way meeting involving host country Pakistan has emerged, contingent on certain preconditions being met. So, what are those preconditions? As of now, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already met US Vice President JD Vance. If reports are to be believed, Pakistani officials are meeting US delegates directly, while separately engaging with Iranian delegates, including Tehran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Araghchi.
Another key pre-condition conveyed to the US delegation via Sharif is the release of frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar and other foreign banks, according to Iranian media. The other red lines from Iran’s side include pointers from its ceasefire plan including the Strait of Hormuz, payment of war reparations, and a ceasefire across the Middle East region, an Iran state TV reporter said.
As the three sides navigate the complicated contours of diplomacy, one of the big issues is a significant trust deficit between the US and Pakistan. This situation has been further complicated by the US president’s statement that if negotiations fail, he will strengthen his naval forces and address the issue through military means. Amid these conditions, teams in Islamabad are finalising the specifics of the discussions.
The presence of the US Vice President in the talks is also noteworthy. JD Vance is regarded as a relatively impartial figure who has expressed opposition to foreign military engagements for some time. Vance did not play a prominent role during the initial US strikes on Iran, which adds to his perception as a more neutral participant in the current discussions.
Read Also : Pakistan’s ‘Attire Diplomacy’? Why Asim Munir Met Iran Leaders In Combat Gear But JD Vance In Suit