Vance and Araghchi in Heated Exchange, Netanyahu’s War Stand: Did the Peace Talks Break Down?

Islamabad: On Saturday, the highest level direct talks took place between America and Iran in Pakistan's capital Islamabad after years. Top representatives of both the countries sat face to face. Iran's side was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US delegation was headed by Vice President JD Vance.

Netanyahu's statement: Why are questions being raised on the peace process?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clearly said that under his leadership Israel will continue the fight against Iran's "terrorist regime" and its allies. He claimed in tweets and video messages that Israel has dealt a major blow to Iran's nuclear program, but the campaign is not over yet.

Netanyahu said Iran had come very close to making a nuclear weapon and still had more than 400 kilograms of enriched uranium left. He said that this uranium should be removed one way or the other – either through negotiations or, if necessary, the use of force.

This statement raised questions on peace talks because Iran says Israel's attacks in Lebanon are a violation of the ceasefire.

What was discussed in Islamabad?

This was the first such high-level direct meeting between the US and Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The objective was to end the ongoing war in West Asia and reach a permanent peace agreement.

Important issues like opening of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear issue, removal of sanctions, war compensation and peace in the entire region were discussed in the talks. The Iranian side said that the discussions have now reached the expert level and economic, military, legal and nuclear committees have also been formed.

How effective did Pakistan's mediation make the talks?

Pakistan played an important role here. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met the representatives of both the countries separately and assured them of finding meaningful results towards peace. It was only because of Pakistan's mediation that both the parties were able to sit face to face. Many people are considering this as a major diplomatic success of Pakistan.

Did Trump's son-in-law also play a role?

JD Vance was not the only person in the American delegation. Jared Kushner, son-in-law and advisor to President Donald Trump, was also included. He was also accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and other senior officials. Apart from Foreign Minister Araghchi, other senior officials were present in the Iranian delegation.

Sharif's message: Is a peace deal possible?

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that US-Iran talks will establish long-lasting peace in West Asia. Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Arif warned that peace is impossible if America continues to work with an "Israel first" mindset.

Does Iran trust America?

Ghalibaf, head of the Iranian delegation, said that his country does not trust America. America has attacked twice during talks in the last one year, while Iran showed goodwill. Nevertheless, he said that if America is really ready for a concrete agreement, then Iran will also keep its stance positive.