The first phase of in-person talks is over; US-Iran delegations are now exchanging written texts

[0:00] We have correspondents standing by for us in Tehran and Islamabad, [0:03] but let's begin in Pakistan where those talks are taking place [0:06] with our correspondent Osama bin Javad. [0:08] So Osama, the Americans and the Iranians are in the same room they were, [0:13] I understand, supposed to be in separate rooms passing messages between each other. [0:17] Do we know how exactly the change to face-to-face talks came about? [0:22] Well, it is a historic moment here in Islamabad [0:30] where the Pakistanis are taking credit for convincing these sides [0:34] to forget their differences for a moment, sit together, [0:38] resolve what they agree upon and then move forward. [0:42] We've been hearing from a number of sources who have been talking about [0:45] how Pakistan has been trying to convince them to at least extend the ceasefire [0:50] for a longer period for the Iranians to keep this freight of Hormuz open [0:56] and then work on everything else that is on the table. [0:59] The Iranian positions have been quite rigid. [1:02] They've been talking about how there needs to be a ceasefire in Lebanon, [1:05] how those assets that have been frozen by the United States need to be given back to the Iranians. [1:13] And now also we're hearing now that there have been multiple rounds of negotiations, [1:18] talks in a congenial atmosphere where they've also had dinner. [1:22] And now there's, in the process of exchanging notes, [1:26] we hear from the Iranian side that their delegate-level negotiations are underway [1:31] and they're going to continue to try and find avenues. [1:35] One source has told us that there is a push from Pakistan [1:38] to try and get at least another day, another round, another extension of these talks [1:44] so they can come to some sort of a conclusive agreement. [1:47] So far, that has not happened. [1:49] And as you've been hearing from the Pakistani prime minister, [1:51] this is make or break for lasting peace in the region. [1:54] So Pakistani diplomats are saying they're still hopeful. [1:57] They're trying to convince them to give more and to cede more ground. [2:02] But it will all depend on both sides and their leaderships [2:05] to figure out how they go about these talks, [2:08] what will be the mechanism going forward. [2:10] And now that they've started meeting face-to-face, can they continue doing that? [2:14] So, Ossami, you reported that there may be some progress on Lebanon and Iranian assets. [2:18] And as you just pointed out, the Pakistani prime minister [2:20] had really urged both sides to be flexible here. [2:22] I wonder, based on what you're hearing, [2:25] are the Pakistanis actually optimistic for a breakthrough here? [2:28] Well, if that is one word in Islamabad right now, [2:36] from the corridors of power, whether to talk to military sources, [2:40] diplomatic sources, or people in the politician, [2:44] they're all hopeful that there is something on the table. [2:48] Now, they don't want to... [2:50] There's almost a gag order here in Islamabad [2:52] where no official will speak to you [2:54] because they don't want to cast any shadow [2:56] over what is coming between these two sides. [2:59] So they're hopeful, they're optimistic, [3:01] and they're trying to convince both sides to continue talking. [3:05] And that they've said that this is a platform that is available to them, [3:08] whether they continue tonight, whether they continue next week, [3:11] or want to come back to Pakistan. [3:13] According to the hosts, they're ready to host more talks. [3:16] All right, let's see what happens. [3:17] Osama bin Javed for us there in Islamabad. [3:19] Appreciate the reporting. [3:21] Let's head over to the White House now [3:22] where our correspondent Kimberly Halkin is standing by... [3:24] Excuse me, let's head over just across the street in Islamabad [3:27] where our White House correspondent Kimberly Halkin is standing by for us. [3:31] So, Kimberly, look, negotiations are often about striking a conciliatory tone. [3:36] That is maybe not the tone being sent out by the U.S. President Donald Trump [3:40] on his social media site, Truth Social. [3:42] What has he been saying, and do we know if it's having any impact on these talks? [3:52] Well, we're going to get to that in just a second [3:55] because I want to show you what's behind me. [3:57] If you can see off in the distance there, [3:59] that building that has lights all along the top [4:02] is the Serena Hotel where these talks have been going on. [4:07] And I should point out, and I have not been able to confirm this [4:10] because I've been standing out here, [4:11] but I am relying on Al Jazeera's live updates [4:15] that the first phase of historic direct talks [4:18] between the United States and Iran has now concluded. [4:22] So, what we know is that both sides are exchanging written text [4:28] aimed at confirming they're on the same page [4:30] on agreements reached in first round of direct in-person talks [4:34] since 1979, and we should also point out [4:38] that there are some sources who are reporting, [4:42] again, I cannot personally confirm this, [4:43] but I have been hearing this extensively, [4:46] that there is an attempt to unfreeze some of the assets [4:49] belonging to the Iranians, which we know was of a great desire. [4:53] So, that would be the breaking news that is just coming down, [4:57] that these talks have concluded for now. [4:59] The big question becomes, what happens next? [5:03] Is there going to be a further round of discussions? [5:07] Are they going to spend the night in the Serena Hotel [5:09] and get back at it at breakfast? [5:11] We simply don't know, [5:13] because I'm finding out in real time just like everybody else. [5:16] But what I can tell you is that there is a real desire, [5:21] given the fact that the U.S. Vice President [5:23] has made the trip here, a lengthy one [5:26] that involves not a direct flight, [5:27] but a stop in Europe for refueling, [5:30] that this is something that can be moved forward [5:34] in terms of trying to iron out some of the big issues. [5:38] For the United States, [5:39] that looks like limiting Iran's ability [5:41] to have a nuclear weapon [5:43] and to get the Strait of Hormuz open. [5:46] Now, again, we're going to have to dig with our sources [5:48] to find out what was agreed upon in the hotel behind me there. [5:53] But what I can tell you is that right now, [5:55] the top line appears to be that the talks have concluded for the moment. [6:00] And surely in the next couple of days, [6:01] there's nothing more important on the Vice President's schedule [6:04] than these talks. [6:05] But let's see where all this goes. [6:06] Kimberly, we appreciate the reporting.