The Islamabad discussions represent the most highest level of US-Iran engagement since 1979.

The meeting on Saturday in Islamabad between US and Iranian officials will represent the most senior-level discussions between Washington and Tehran since Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979.

The discussions signify the inaugural direct, in-person interaction between the two parties since 2015, when a pivotal accord was established over Iran’s nuclear program during the administration of President Barack Obama.

The agreement was then rescinded in 2018 by US President Donald Trump during his initial term in office.

Subsequent to the dissolution of the accord, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei forbade any further direct negotiations with the United States.

The Islamabad summit is under scrutiny as a possible pivotal moment in bilateral relations following years of animosity.