US, Iran Launch Historic Talks Mediated By Pakistan Because Why Not
KEY POINTS
- â˘Direct talks between U.S. and Iran began Saturday in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- â˘U.S. delegation included VP JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, while Iran sent parliament speaker Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Araghchi.
- â˘Iran agreed to talks after indirect progress and assurances about Israel limiting strikes in Lebanon; U.S. denied agreeing to unfreeze Iranian funds.
In what sounds like the world's most complicated group text, direct US-Iran negotiations kicked off Saturday in Islamabad, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mediatingâbecause who else isnât already busy? The US brought its A-Team: Vice President JD Vance, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, Trumpâs son-in-law and real estate deal whisperer. Iran sent Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who only agreed after promises that Israel might dial down striking Lebanonâa promise Israel apparently hasn't RSVP'd to. The US allegedly agreed to unfreeze Iranian funds, but quickly denied doing so, continuing the tradition of diplomatic mixed signals sweeter than a Netflix conspiracy series.
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(1 of 3)US and Iran hold first face-to-face talks since 1979 mediated by Pakistan, packing more awkward odd couples than a reality TV reunion show.
Jared Kushner at peace talks feels like hiring a TikTok dancer to choreograph the worldâs most delicate ceasefire.
Pakistan mediates US-Iran talks because who needs Netflix when your neighborhood drama involves global superpowers and frozen cash?
Source: Axios | Published: 4/11/2026 | Author: Barak Ravid
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