The Day: April 13, 2026

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0500

The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran concluded Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan, Al Jazeera reported. Vice President JD Vance led the American delegation, joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran sent seventy-one officials led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to NPR.

Both sides exchanged written texts at the close of the first phase, confirming preliminary areas of agreement. Three issues dominated the table: the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, and the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, NPR reported. Iran’s state television said the country’s red lines include sovereignty over the Strait and a ceasefire in Lebanon, the Times of Israel reported.

Islamabad Talks on Sunday Evening Review

The Day: April 13, 2026