11.04.2026 11:11
Negotiations between Iran and the United States begin today in Pakistan. Delegations from the U.S. and Iran have arrived in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. The fact that Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Army, Marshal Asim Munir, wore a suit while welcoming the U.S. delegation and military uniform while welcoming the Iranian delegation is noteworthy.
As critical negotiations between the US and Iran begin today in Pakistan, the diplomatic traffic has accelerated with the arrival of the parties in Islamabad. During the reception, the different clothing choices of Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir drew attention.
FIRST, THE IRANIAN DELEGATION WAS WELCOMED
Before the negotiations, Iran's high-level delegation arrived in Pakistan. Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Land Forces Marshal Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the delegation led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, which included Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian and Central Bank Governor Abdunnasir Hemmati in Islamabad. Munir's reception of the Iranian delegation in military uniform did not go unnoticed.
Iranian media reported that if Iran's preconditions for the start of negotiations are accepted, a delegation including some members of parliament and security, political, military, economic, and legal commissions will begin talks.
US DELEGATION ALSO ARRIVED IN ISLAMABAD
The US delegation led by Vice President James David Vance also arrived in Islamabad for the negotiations. The delegation included US President Donald Trump's Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. As Vance's plane landed at Nur Khan Air Base, the reception was attended by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Munir's reception of the US delegation in a suit this time drew attention.
MILITARY CEREMONY FOR IRAN, OFFICIAL SALUTE FOR THE US
Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir's reception of the two delegations in different outfits was interpreted as a "show of force" in the international media. This detail in the protocol, as much as the content of the negotiations, has made headlines in the international public opinion.
The Pakistan Navy welcomed the Iranian Navy with a military ceremony, while an official salute was given to the US Navy.
WHAT’S ON THE TABLE?
In the discussions, in addition to Washington's 15-point proposal focusing on Iran's enriched uranium and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, it is expected that Iran's 10-point plan demanding control of the strait, transit fees for ships passing through the strait, the cessation of all regional military operations, and the lifting of all sanctions will be addressed.
One of the important topics of the negotiations is Lebanon. Israel's continued attacks targeting Hezbollah after the ceasefire came into effect raised questions about whether the negotiations would take place. Iran's insistence that the ceasefire also includes Lebanon will be one of the significant points to be discussed.