ISLAMABAD: United States and Iran delegations are set to begin high-level negotiations in Islamabad as Pakistan hosts talks aimed at turning a fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement.
The discussions come after a two-week ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump following six weeks of conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite the pause in hostilities, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of failing to fully implement the truce.
Key sticking points include the Strait of Hormuz, ongoing regional security concerns, and continued unrest involving Israel and Iran-backed groups in Lebanon.
A senior Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Islamabad ahead of the talks.
Separately, the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance and including negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, also reached the federal capital to participate in the discussions.
The visit marks a rare trip by a US vice president to Pakistan, highlighting the significance of the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Officials say the talks are aimed at easing tensions and exploring pathways toward a broader settlement.
Richard Nixon (1956)
VP Richard Nixon visited Karachi on July 9, 1956, where he met then-President Iskandar Mirza during an early phase of Pakistan-US relations.
Lyndon B Johnson (1961)
VP Lyndon B Johnson travelled to Karachi on a goodwill mission on behalf of President Kennedy and met President Ayub Khan. His visit became notable for his interaction with a local camel cart driver, Bashir Sarban, whom he later invited to the United States as an official guest.
Dick Cheney (2007)
Dick Cheney made an unannounced visit on February 26, 2007, holding talks with General Pervez Musharraf amid security and regional concerns.
Joe Biden (2011)
Arrived in Islamabad on January 12, 2011, for a brief but high-level visit, meeting President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.
In February 2008, Biden was a member of the delegation that toured Pakistan to observe the elections held in February. He was then the Chairman of Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations.
Here are the US presidents who visited Pakistan:
Dwight D Eisenhower (1959)
Dwight D Eisenhower was the first US president to visit Pakistan in 1959. He was received by President Ayub Khan in Karachi, where large crowds gathered to welcome his motorcade.
Lyndon B Johnson (1967)
Johnson made a brief stopover on December 23, 1967, during his presidency.
Richard Nixon (1969)
Nixon visited Lahore on August 1 and August 01, 1969, and met President Yahya Khan.
Bill Clinton (2000)
Bill Clinton undertook a short visit on March 25, holding meetings with President Rafiq Tarar and General Musharraf.
George W Bush (2006)
George W Bush travelled to Pakistan on March 3-4, meeting then-president General Pervez Musharraf and engaging in public diplomacy events, including a cricket interaction with local players.
