Islamabad is under strict security restrictions ahead of tomorrow’s crucial meeting between the United States and Iran. Despite Donald Trump’s optimism, the bloody strikes in Lebanon have worsened the atmosphere, with Tehran demanding an end to Israeli attacks against Hezbollah. With the American delegation led by JD Vance en route and Iranian participation remaining uncertain, the next few hours are considered decisive for the course of peace in the Middle East. Pakistan’s capital resembles a ghost town, as a curfew has been imposed for security reasons. Army and police are conducting continuous patrols and checks, reinforcing the already strict protective measures ahead of the negotiations.
Trump: Iran is failing miserably, some would say behaving dishonestly
En route to Islamabad, the American Vice President and head of the US delegation remains optimistic. “I believe it will be positive. We’ll see, of course. As the President of the United States stated, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend a hand of friendship. If they’re going to try to deceive us, then they’ll find that the negotiating team won’t be particularly receptive,” he emphasized. The American president also appears optimistic that an agreement will be reached, although he had earlier accused Tehran of doing a poor job with opening the Strait of Hormuz, warning against imposing transit fees on ships.
In a Truth Social post he stated: “Iran is failing miserably -some would say behaving dishonestly- to allow oil passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This is not the deal we have!”
Despite the fragile ceasefire, there is no sign that Tehran is lifting the near-complete blockade of the Strait. In a new message read on state television, the country’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stated that Iran does not seek war but will not give up its rights. “We will definitely demand compensation for every damage caused, as well as for the blood of martyrs and for the wounded of this war. And we will certainly upgrade our management of the Strait of Hormuz,” he emphasized.
While Iran has not yet announced the composition of its delegation, according to a senior Iranian official, Mojtaba Khamenei’s wish is for Mohammad Ghalibaf to lead. The president of the Iranian parliament insists that Lebanon must also be included in the ceasefire.
Iranian news agencies, however, deny the Wall Street Journal report that the Iranian delegation with Ghalibaf and Araghchi has already arrived in Islamabad.
Preparatory talks between Israel, Lebanon, US begin today in Washington
The ambassadors of Israel, Lebanon and the United States will hold the first round of preparatory talks today in Washington to lay the groundwork for future negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, according to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the talks.
The first round of discussions will aim to reach agreement on the terms and agenda of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, which, as Israel has stated, will aim to disarm Hezbollah and establish “peaceful relations” between the two countries. Among the most pressing issues to negotiate is Lebanon’s demand that Israel agree to a ceasefire as a condition for starting talks.
Lebanese officials have stated they will not negotiate under fire, while Israel has rejected a ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah as a precondition for negotiations. Friday’s talks will include Michel Issa, US ambassador to Lebanon, Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the US, and Nada Hamadeh Moawad, Lebanon’s ambassador to the US, according to the same sources.
