ISLAMABAD — An Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Friday for high-stakes peace talks with the United States, as last-minute demands from Tehran cast uncertainty over the start of negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump earlier announced a two-week ceasefire in the six-week conflict, just hours before a deadline after which he had warned of severe consequences for Iran. The truce has temporarily halted U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.
However, tensions remain elevated as Iran continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies. Fighting also persists between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said talks would not begin unless Washington fulfills prior commitments, including unfreezing Iranian assets and securing a ceasefire in Lebanon. Qalibaf is leading the delegation alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, with a team of around 70 members composed of technical experts, officials, and support staff.
Speaking in Islamabad, Qalibaf said Iran approached the talks with goodwill but remained distrustful of the United States. He added that Tehran is prepared to reach an agreement if presented with what he described as a genuine deal that recognizes Iran’s rights.
In response, Trump said in a social media post that Iran holds limited leverage in the negotiations, asserting that its primary option is to engage in talks.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the American delegation, expressed cautious optimism but warned that the United States would not be receptive to any attempts to manipulate the process.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the negotiations as a “make-or-break phase,” emphasizing that securing a permanent ceasefire will depend on resolving complex issues through dialogue.
Meanwhile, separate talks are expected in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese officials, although both sides have issued conflicting statements about the agenda. Israel has ruled out discussing a ceasefire with Hezbollah, while Lebanon has signaled interest in pursuing one.
Despite the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, Israeli strikes have continued in southern Lebanon, with authorities reporting more than 1,900 deaths since early March.
Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has taken a firm stance ahead of the talks, vowing to seek compensation for wartime damage and to hold those responsible for attacks on Iran accountable.
Although Trump has declared success in weakening Iran’s military capabilities, the country retains the ability to launch missile and drone strikes and maintains a significant stockpile of enriched uranium.
Iran is expected to push for major concessions during the talks, including the lifting of long-standing economic sanctions and recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could significantly shift the regional balance of power.
The ongoing disruption to energy supplies has contributed to rising inflation and slower global economic growth. Recent U.S. data showed monthly inflation rose by 0.9% in March, marking the fastest increase since 2022.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
