The Islamabad talks scheduled to begin on Saturday will represent the first direct US-Iran negotiations since the Pentagon launched Operation Epic Fury six weeks ago.Vice-President J.D. Vance will lead the US team, which will include Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to the White House.The Iranian delegation is expected to be led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.Observers in China noted that Iran’s negotiating duo served as a key link among Tehran’s political factions, while cautioning that the outcome hinged on Iran’s predefined red lines and its actual room for manoeuvre.Despite a temporary ceasefire announced by the US and Iran on Wednesday, Tehran has reinstated its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, citing ongoing Israeli operations in Lebanon. Later that day, Israel launched its most intense strikes to date, killing more than 250 people.02:00Grieving families in Beirut hospital identify bodies after deadliest day of warThe White House has confirmed that the first round of talks will begin on Saturday morning at the Serena Hotel, a five-star property in the Pakistani capital that has been cleared of guests and secured for the delegations.