US-Iran Dialogue Progresses with First and Second Rounds

Updated: 7:48 AM PKT — June 22, 2026

Significant progress in peace talks between the United States and Iran has spurred a rally in Asian stock markets and calmed fears of escalating conflict. Officials from Qatar and Pakistan confirmed the first session of talks concluded with an agreement on a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days. The positive development overshadowed an earlier announcement by Tehran regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, causing Brent crude futures to ease to $80.17 a barrel.

Updated: 6:11 AM PKT — June 22, 2026

The Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) has criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget, with provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao stating the PTI-led government has failed to present a practical development agenda. Sherpao questioned the government’s claim it could cover a projected Rs48 billion deficit through savings alone, calling the approach unrealistic.

He described the budget as a “play on words” that offers no meaningful relief, citing the 7% salary increase as insufficient amid high inflation. Sherpao also condemned inadequate funding for police despite worsening law and order and accused the government of prioritizing protests over provincial rights.

Updated: 9:59 PM PKT — June 21, 2026

The first round of US-Iran negotiations in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, has concluded. According to Iranian state media, the talks centered on implementing the Islamabad agreement and the situation in Lebanon, with Tehran’s nuclear program reportedly not on the agenda. Iran has identified the Lebanon conflict and its frozen assets as key issues for discussion.

The talks were marked by a diplomatic slight, as the Iranian delegation declined a pre-planned handshake and group photograph with their US counterparts, entering the venue only after the media event concluded. Following the main session, bilateral discussions between the Iranian and Qatari delegations have commenced, though it remains uncertain if the broader quadrilateral negotiations will resume.

Updated: 7:24 PM PKT — June 21, 2026

The United States and Iran have begun high-level technical talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. The negotiations aim to finalize the details of the recently signed “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)” and work towards a comprehensive and permanent agreement.

The development was welcomed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt in a joint meeting in Cairo, where they praised the MoU as a constructive step towards de-escalation. US Vice President JD Vance, attending the talks, commended Pakistan’s leadership, particularly Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for their role. Vance noted that President Trump had authorized efforts to find diplomatic solutions to regional issues.