After nearly half a century of hostility, including two wars in two years, Iran and America have sat down for face-to-face talks — for hours. The talks are not over yet, and the meeting between technical experts continues.
This meeting is considered an achievement and is seen as an important breakthrough, possible only because of the high level of both delegations, their authority to negotiate, and the interest that appears to be a commitment from both Washington and Tehran to talk.
Iran came to Islamabad, though, stressing its deep distrust of diplomacy. After its discussions last year and this year with the US, both of which were destroyed by war.
That is why he insisted that he would only deal with a senior American official, and in particular with Vice President JD Vance, who is seen as the strongest opponent of military commitments in President Donald Trump's team.
In 2015, when Iran and world powers reached a successful nuclear deal, it took 18 months of progress and setbacks; but on the other hand Trump is known for preferring quick successes, the BBC further writes.
Today is just a beginning, but with the risk of another dangerous escalation in an already dangerous war.
