VIDEO: U.S. Vice President Arrives in Islamabad

U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance has arrived in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, for scheduled negotiations with an Iranian delegation. According to Reuters, the meeting is set to begin on April 11 and could mark the most significant direct contact between the two countries since 1979.

The American delegation departed from Washington on the evening of April 10 aboard Air Force Two. Accompanying Vance are the U.S. President's Special Representative for the Middle East, Stephen Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.

The Iranian side is represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf. He is joined by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Bagheri Kani. According to Tasnim agency, the Iranian delegation consists of 71 members.

Pakistan is acting as a mediator. Its delegation includes Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The negotiations follow a nearly 40-day military conflict during which reports indicate over 3,000 people have been killed. On April 8, a two-week ceasefire was reached, mediated by Pakistan, Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, one of the conditions of which was to hold negotiations in Islamabad.