Senior United States and Iranian officials have arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for ceasefire talks, as violence continues across the region.
Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are leading the Iranian delegation in the negotiations, while Washington is being represented by US Vice President JD Vance, along with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Ahead of the talks, Vance said Washington is ready to “extend an open hand” if Iran negotiates in good faith, signalling a potential opening for diplomacy after weeks of escalating tensions.
At the same time, the situation on the ground remains volatile.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said on Friday that at least 357 people were killed in Israeli attacks on Wednesday, warning that the death toll is expected to rise as more victims are identified.
‘Accept Iran’s rights’: The leader of the Iranian delegation, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, says the US should accept Iran’s rights if it wants a deal. He told reporters that Iran has come to Islamabad in good faith, although it does not trust the US.
America First or Israel First? Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref says the outcome of high-stakes talks in Islamabad depends entirely on US priorities. He says an agreement is possible if US representatives focus on their “America First” interests instead of an “Israel First” agenda.
