US and Iran Hold Fragile Ceasefire as High-Stakes Talks Loom

The United States and Iran find themselves at a precarious crossroads, with a fragile ceasefire offering a sliver of hope for de-escalation. Talks are set to take place in Islamabad, where U.S. Vice President JD Vance will lead a high-profile team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Both sides face urgent pressures: Washington is eager to prevent an energy market shock and avoid military entanglements ahead of critical midterm elections, while Tehran battles crippling sanct