US and Iran prepare high-level talks after six weeks of conflict, reports say

Published 11 Apr, 2026 12:55pm 2 min read

The United States and Iran are preparing for what would be the most senior-level meeting between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, following six weeks of conflict, according to CNN.

The talks are expected to be led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf, marking a significant diplomatic development amid ongoing tensions.

This would represent a rare level of engagement between Washington and Tehran, which have had limited direct diplomatic contact since 1979.

The most notable previous engagement at a similar level took place during negotiations under former US President Barack Obama, when US Secretary of State John Kerry met Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during extended nuclear talks.

Those discussions involved months of technical negotiations in neutral locations before any agreement was reached.

In contrast, current talks appear to have limited preparatory diplomatic groundwork, and the agenda remains unclear.

US President Donald Trump recently announced a two-week ceasefire framework intended to enable negotiations, but the truce has remained fragile, with disputes continuing over its scope and implementation.

Iran has reportedly insisted that any ceasefire arrangement must also cover Lebanon, where it supports Hezbollah, a position US officials have rejected.

The Strait of Hormuz has also emerged as a key point of contention, with disagreements over access and security in the waterway that is critical to global energy supplies.

Analysts say the planned meeting carries both risks and opportunities, with uncertainty over whether it can produce concrete progress or simply serve a symbolic role.

The talks are expected to take place in Islamabad, though the agenda and format have not been formally confirmed by either side.

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