If the talks now under way between America and Iran are a success, they could reshape a relationship defined by almost half a century of hostility. If they fail, potential casualties include the global economy,

Vice President JD Vance is in Islamabad, Pakistan, aiming to broker a deal with Iran and maintain a fragile ceasefire.

US and Iranian officials are meeting the Pakistani prime minister separately to discuss extending the two-week ceasefire between their two countries. Iranian TV, however, says talks could be cancelled if Tehran’s conditions are not met.

Roads blocked by shipping containers, armed soldiers out on patrol, and luxury hotels quietly asking guests to vacate: the leafy Pakistani capital Islamabad has transformed into a security fortress as officials prepare for high-stakes peace talks between the US and Iran.

Pakistan has said it is confident that talks between Iran and the United States will begin on Saturday in Islamabad as planned, despite both sides complaining of ceasefire violations. Also on the programme: Melania Trump makes a rare statement to reporters,

Iran and the U.S. traded allegations of ceasefire violations ahead of Saturday’s talks with Pakistan as host and Israel not in attendance.

The United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations Saturday in Pakistan, days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced. The war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week.

Face-to-face negotiations have begun between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced.