US and Iran begin peace talks in Pakistan

US Vice President J.D. Vance has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, to lead a diplomatic delegation for peace talks aimed at ending the six-week conflict between the United States and Iran. The American team includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Representing Iran, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived with a delegation of over 70 people. The talks are taking place amid significant mutual distrust, with both sides expressing skepticism. Ghalibaf cited past failed negotiations as a concern, while Vance warned Iran against potential tactical manipulations during the proceedings. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that the meetings would lead to a lasting regional peace. Strict security measures have been implemented in Islamabad, which has been described as a ghost town due to the intensity of the event. No specific timeline for the negotiations has been publicly disclosed.