US and Iran Hold Direct Peace Talks in Pakistan, CNN Reports

Senior United States and Iranian officials met face-to-face in Pakistan on Saturday in the highest-level direct talks between the two countries in years, according to CNN. The meeting marks a significant diplomatic development after decades of largely indirect negotiations.

CNN reports that the trilateral talks are taking place in Islamabad with Pakistani officials serving as mediators. The US delegation is being led by Vice President JD Vance and includes special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and senior national security and regional advisers. A White House official told CNN that the United States also brought a full team of subject-matter experts, with additional support operating from Washington.

Iran’s delegation reportedly consists of 71 members, including negotiators, technical experts, media representatives and security personnel, according to Iranian state-affiliated media cited by CNN.

The discussions are unfolding amid heightened regional tensions and a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

CNN reports that President Donald Trump said the United States has begun the process of “clearing out” the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. However, it remains unclear what specific actions that would involve.

Ship-tracking data reviewed by CNN show that several vessels, primarily Chinese tankers and bulk carriers, have continued to transit the strait despite ongoing tensions.

The conflict has disrupted global fertilizer markets. According to CNN, urea prices have surged more than 50 percent since late February, raising concerns among US agricultural groups about potential food supply chain disruptions. Trump has warned against price gouging and said his administration is closely monitoring fertilizer prices.

CNN further reports that Israeli forces have continued striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, with the Israeli military saying it hit more than 200 sites in a single day. Iran has insisted that any broader ceasefire must include an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

While Israel has declined to discuss a ceasefire directly with Hezbollah, it has agreed to begin formal peace negotiations with Lebanon next week, CNN reports.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has postponed a planned trip to Washington and the United Nations, citing the need to remain in Beirut amid ongoing developments.