Pakistan Set to Host US-Iran Talks as Ceasefire Faces Disputes Over Compliance and Scope

By Vivian Ho

*Published: 2026-04-10*

Pakistan is preparing to host negotiations between the United States and Iran this weekend, following a two-week ceasefire agreement it brokered at the request of the US after weeks of diplomatic pressure. The ceasefire, aimed at negotiating a lasting peace, has come under strain amid mutual accusations of violations and disagreements over its scope.

The US-Iran conflict began on February 28, 2026, with initial Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iran, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in an effort aimed at inducing regime change. Casualties from the war total nearly 3,400 killed in Iran—including more than 1,600 civilians—1,700 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and 13 US service members killed, along with two noncombat US deaths.

Under the agreement, Iran committed to lifting its near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which had disrupted global energy supplies, reducing daily ship traffic from a pre-war average of 138 to only 15. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social late Thursday that Iran was doing “a very poor job” in upholding its promises and was being “dishonorable” by not allowing oil shipments through the strait as agreed. Both the US and Iran have claimed victory in the ceasefire, with Iran retaining near-weapons-grade uranium stockpiles, missiles, and partial control over the strait.

Iran and Pakistan have stated that the ceasefire applies to Lebanon, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was “no ceasefire in Lebanon” and that Israel would continue strikes against Hezbollah. Israel conducted attacks in Lebanon, which Iran described as a truce violation; these followed Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel. Netanyahu has maintained that the agreement excludes ongoing operations against Hezbollah.

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