The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for critical discussions with US officials, including Vice President JD Vance. Ghalibaf expressed skepticism about the negotiations, stating that past experiences with the US have been marked by failure and broken promises. Despite the cautious tone, both sides acknowledge the importance of dialogue. US President Donald Trump has reiterated the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan described the talks as entering a decisive phase, emphasizing the challenges ahead to achieve a lasting ceasefire. The discussions are set against a backdrop of a fragile ceasefire and ongoing violence in the region, with reports indicating over 1,950 deaths in recent conflicts. The Islamabad meeting is seen as a pivotal effort to transform the temporary ceasefire into a more sustainable peace framework in West Asia.