U.S. delegation (left) and Iranian delegation [AP·EPA=Yonhap News]

Delegations from the United States and Iran appear to have begun talks in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on the 11th (local time) to end the war.

Iranian media outlets such as IRNA, Tasnim, and Mehr simultaneously reported that "negotiations between Iran and the U.S. have started in Islamabad" around 5:30 PM Pakistan time.

Tasnim reported that "the two countries have decided to start negotiations and finally resolve these issues, taking into account the intensive consultations and progress made in Islamabad, Israel's restraint in attacking Beirut-Southern Lebanon, and the U.S. acceptance of the release of frozen Iranian assets."

Reuters also reported, citing Pakistani sources, that a "trilateral meeting" involving Pakistan, the U.S., and Iran has commenced. Journalists from U.S. media outlets such as CBS and NewsNation also announced the start of the negotiations.

A reporter for Iran's state TV in Islamabad also stated that a trilateral meeting involving the U.S., Iran, and Pakistan had begun.

Kelly Meyer, a White House correspondent for NewsNation, mentioned on X (formerly Twitter) that she had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump and asked if the negotiations had officially started, to which he replied yes.

U.S. and Iranian delegations had previously met separately with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the same day.

This meeting, held four days after the two countries' sudden agreement on a two-week ceasefire on the 7th, centers on proposals to end the war, resume ship passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Iranian nuclear program. Key issues also include Iran's demands for a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, the lifting of sanctions and release of frozen funds, and compensation for war damages.

The U.S. delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, who arrived on-site the same day. Jared Kushner, the eldest son-in-law of President Donald Trump, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are also accompanying him. Tasnim reported that the U.S. delegation is approximately 300 strong, including security and protocol personnel.

The Iranian delegation, which arrived the previous day, includes Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Approximately 70 individuals are reported to be part of this delegation, including Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), and Abdolnaser Hemmati, Governor of the Central Bank.

The meeting venue for both sides is reported to be the Serena Hotel. All regular guests of the hotel have been asked to vacate, and the surrounding area is completely closed to traffic. Pakistani authorities have deployed a large number of military and police personnel throughout Islamabad.

Prior to the talks, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the arrival of the delegations from both countries and stated its position: "We will support both sides to engage constructively and find a lasting and robust solution to the conflict."

AFP news agency predicted that the U.S. and Iranian delegations would sit in separate meeting rooms, with Pakistani officials moving between them to relay proposals from both sides, a form of indirect negotiation. This method is similar to how Oman previously mediated nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran.

U.S. CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, that "negotiations are expected to take several days," and that Pakistan also wishes for Vice President Vance to stay longer on-site to reach an agreement.

However, Iran's Tasnim news agency downplayed this, stating, "News that the Islamabad talks will last for several days is not confirmed," and added, "Under the current plan, if the talks are held, there is a high possibility they will conclude within one day."

The ongoing airstrikes by Israel targeting the pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon, even after the agreement for a temporary ceasefire, are expected to act as a variable in the peace talks. Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold talks in the United States on the 14th to discuss the disarmament of Hezbollah.