US-Iran talks in Islamabad seen as key to avoiding war

High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran are taking place in Islamabad, Pakistan. The talks are being described as a critical test for a ceasefire and a potential pathway out of the long-running conflict between the two countries. Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called the talks the "biggest achievement so far" in efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Iranian President Pezeshkian said his country's negotiators are defending national interests at the table. However, pre-negotiation threats from both Iran and President Donald Trump have cast a shadow over the process. Russia has called for restraint and warned against undermining chances for peace. The talks are drawing global attention, though details remain scarce.