High-stakes peace negotiations between the United States and Iran officially began in Pakistan on Saturday. In a significant move coinciding with the start of the talks, two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first time American warships have passed through the vital waterway since the conflict erupted six weeks ago.
A primary objective of these negotiations, held under a fragile ceasefire, is the full reopening of the strait-a corridor responsible for the transit of nearly 20% of the world’s global oil supply. As the meetings kicked off in Islamabad, Tehran remained public about its non-negotiable demands: an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iranian assets currently blocked by U.S. sanctions.
The American delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance and includes Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, and special envoy Steve Witkoff. They are facing an Iranian team headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The Iranian group is notably composed of officials known for their hardline stance toward Western diplomacy.
Security in Islamabad has been heightened to unprecedented levels, with a deserted city center and strict protocols for international journalists. Before arriving in Pakistan, Vice President Vance stated that while Washington is “willing to extend the open hand,” he warned Tehran against any attempts to “play” the U.S. administration. Meanwhile, President Trump emphasized that the U.S. is “loading up ships” with ammunition as a contingency should the diplomatic efforts fail to reach an agreement.
A pair of US Navy guided-missile destroyers transited the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, coinciding with the start of peace negotiations between the US and Iran in Pakistan. According to The Wall Street Journal, this is the first time American warships have passed through the vital waterway since the joint US-Israel military operations against Iran commenced.
Earlier, the news outlet Axios had also reported that multiple US Navy vessels crossed the strait, though it did not specify the types of ships involved. The report emphasized that the maneuver was not coordinated with Tehran. A US official confirmed to Axios that the transit was a routine operation focused on upholding “freedom of navigation” through international waters.
With input from WSJ & TTOI.
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