First direct US-Iran talks expected this week — Axios
Photo: US Vice President JD Vance (Getty Images)
The first round of direct talks between the US and Iran on a ceasefire agreement is scheduled for Friday, April 10, in the Pakistani capital, according to Axios and CNN.
"There are discussions about in person talks, but nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House," press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios.
These will be the first direct talks since the start of the war. Two sources told the publication that the meeting is scheduled for this Friday, April 10.
Meanwhile, CNN reports that, according to its sources, the US delegation to the meeting in Islamabad is expected to include Trump’s special representative, Steve Witkoff, the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and US Vice President JD Vance.
Vance is likely to lead the delegation. During the war, Witkoff led negotiations with Iran with Vance’s support.
The US Vice President is currently in Hungary. CNN sources say his trip may include a stop in Hungary, time permitting.
At 5:50 a.m., Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on X that Iran, the US, and their allies had agreed to an immediate ceasefire across Lebanon and other countries.
He also publicly invited the US and Iranian delegations to meet on April 10 in Islamabad.
Background
Last night, April 8, US President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Iran regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz expired. He threatened to bomb all bridges and power plants in the country if Tehran did not comply with his terms.
However, a few hours before the deadline, the parties agreed through intermediaries to a two-week ceasefire. Trump said he accepted Pakistan’s proposal on the condition that the strait be opened. He also added that during the truce, the parties plan to reach a final peace agreement both with Iran and in the Middle East as a whole.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has already publicly stated that Tehran will open the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of the truce. However, the passage of ships will require coordination with their military forces.
