Same hotel, separate rooms: US-Iran talks in Islamabad may avoid face-to-face contact

The format of the upcoming talks between the United States and Iran remains unclear, with conflicting signals on whether the two sides will engage directly or communicate through intermediaries.

The uncertainty over how the talks will unfold underlines the fragile nature of engagement between Washington and Tehran, with both sides still navigating deep mistrust even as efforts are underway to find a way out of the ongoing conflict.

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A source familiar with the matter told Xinhua in a phone interview that preparations are in place for multiple scenarios. These include direct, face-to-face discussions as well as indirect exchanges where delegations remain in separate rooms, and messages are passed through facilitators.

Pakistan, which is hosting the discussions in Islamabad, has kept both options open. The source said authorities are ready to either bring the two sides together or arrange separate venues and relay communication between them.

Separate rooms, shared venue likely

According to a report by Al Jazeera, both the US and Iranian delegations are expected to stay at the same hotel in Islamabad. However, they are unlikely to meet directly. Instead, Pakistani officials are expected to act as intermediaries, carrying messages between the two sides.

Earlier this week, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate that Islamabad’s role is limited to facilitating dialogue. He said Pakistan aims to help the United States and Iran “to sit together” but will not attempt to influence either party.

Deep mistrust shadows negotiations

As reported by The Washington Post, both countries appear to have little in common beyond “their need to find an exit ramp from the war”.

Tensions remain high ahead of the talks, with both sides accusing each other of acting in bad faith. US President Donald Trump described Iran’s public proposals as “a hoax” and accused Tehran of being “dishonourable” over restrictions on tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

On the other hand, Iran has laid down firm preconditions. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said issues such as the release of “blocked assets” must be resolved before negotiations can begin, according to reports by The Washington Post and The New York Times.

US signals cautious optimism

US Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the American delegation, struck a more hopeful tone ahead of the talks. “I think it’s going to be positive,” he told reporters. He added that if Iran negotiates “in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend an open hand,” The Washington Post reported.

The diplomatic effort comes at a time when the broader regional situation remains volatile. While a ceasefire is technically in place, Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue, adding complexity to already strained negotiations, according to reports by The Washington Post and The New York Times.