Preparations are underway in Islamabad for imminent ceasefire negotiations, with delegations from Iran and the United States set to convene soon. Fresh images from the scene are emerging as the talks approach.
Welcome to our ongoing coverage of developments in the Middle East, where discussions between Iranian and American officials are due to start shortly in Pakistan’s capital. We will provide continuous updates.
For those catching up, here is a brief overview of recent events: Iran’s team has landed in Islamabad in preparation for crucial Saturday meetings with the U.S., which Pakistan’s prime minister has called essential for establishing a durable truce.
The Iranian group is led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the influential speaker of parliament, and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Defense Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, and various parliamentary representatives.
On Friday, Ghalibaf stated that two prior commitments—a halt to fighting in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iran’s assets—need to be met prior to starting the dialogue.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, traveling to Islamabad, expressed optimism about the upcoming sessions but cautioned Iran against any deceptive tactics. He heads the American side, joined by Donald Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
These discussions occur as Trump has warned of potential new military actions if they collapse, claiming Iran lacks leverage and exists solely to engage in talks. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump mentioned that U.S. naval vessels are being equipped with advanced armaments should the negotiations fail. He added that without an agreement, these would be deployed effectively.
Separately, Lebanon and Israel have scheduled a meeting in Washington next Tuesday to address a ceasefire and establish a timeline for further talks. The U.S. will facilitate the session at the State Department.
Lebanon’s health authorities have revised the fatalities from Israel’s intense attacks on Wednesday to 357 deaths, raising the overall toll since Israel’s campaign restarted on March 2 to over 1,953. The ministry also reported 6,303 injuries.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced on Friday that an Israeli assault on a government facility in the southern city of Nabatieh resulted in the deaths of 13 security officers. In his remarks, Aoun denounced the persistent Israeli operations and affirmed that strikes on official sites would not weaken Lebanon’s resolve to protect its independence.
