A crucial diplomatic face-off is unfolding as Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf leads Iran’s delegation and JD Vance heads the US team in high-stakes ceasefire talks. The negotiations come amid deep mistrust, with Ghalibaf accusing Washington of violations and Vance downplaying expectations. With disagreements over Lebanon and nuclear rights, the outcome could shape the future of the fragile truce.


US-Iran Truce Talks: Will Talks in Islamabad Lead to End of War?

Delegations from the United States and Iran are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Saturday, but the proposed talks risk unravelling before they begin. A tenuous two-week ceasefire has already come under strain, with renewed violence in Lebanon casting doubt over diplomatic momentum. Against this volatile backdrop, Tehran's parliament speaker has set out two clear preconditions, signalling that negotiations cannot proceed without tangible prior steps.&nbsp;<h2>Tehran’s two preconditions</h2>&nbsp;On Friday, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf explicitly outlined the country’s stance. Writing in English on X, he stated: “Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations.” He added unequivocally: “These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin.”&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pluto-could-be-the-ninth-planet-again-10-year-old-s-letter-goes-viral-nasa-chief-reacts-1775827243191">Pluto could be the ninth planet again? 10-year-old’s letter goes viral, NASA chief reacts</a>&nbsp;The first demand centres on halting hostilities in Lebanon, where Israeli military operations against Hezbollah have intensified despite the broader ceasefire framework. However, the United States has maintained that Lebanon does not fall within the scope of its ceasefire understanding with Iran. The second demand relates to long-standing financial restrictions, with Tehran insisting on the release of its blocked overseas assets as a prerequisite for engagement. This condition reflects Iran’s continued push for tangible economic relief ahead of any formal negotiations, underscoring its position that substantive actions must precede diplomatic talks.&nbsp;These conditions reflect Tehran’s insistence on concrete actions rather than preliminary dialogue, effectively raising the stakes ahead of the Islamabad meeting.&nbsp;<h2>Ceasefire disputes and regional tensions</h2>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/uss-abraham-lincoln-how-carrier-crews-keep-fighter-jets-mission-ready-for-months-at-sea-1775820012590">USS Abraham Lincoln: How carrier crews keep fighter jets mission-ready for months at sea</a>&nbsp;The demand for a Lebanon ceasefire comes amid escalating violence. Iranian officials have accused Israel of breaching agreed terms, pointing to continued strikes that reportedly killed over 300 people in a single day earlier this week. Israel, however, maintains that Lebanon was not formally included in the original ceasefire arrangement drafted with US involvement. Addressing the issue, US President Donald Trump had also told PBS News in an interview on Wednesday that Lebanon is “not part of the ceasefire agreement… because of Hezbollah,” while adding that the situation would nevertheless “get taken care of.” The conflict has widened since Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel on March 2, prompting intensified Israeli air strikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have reportedly been displaced as Israeli forces target areas it considers Hezbollah strongholds.&nbsp;<h2>Diplomatic uncertainty ahead</h2>&nbsp;Further complicating matters, Israeli and Lebanese officials are expected to meet in Washington next week as the United States attempts to stabilise the situation. The outcome of those discussions may prove critical in determining whether US-Iran talks can proceed. For now, Tehran’s conditions remain firm, leaving the planned Islamabad negotiations hanging in the balance.&nbsp;

Against this volatile backdrop, Tehran's parliament speaker has set out two clear preconditions, signalling that negotiations cannot proceed without tangible prior steps.

Delegations from the United States and Iran are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Saturday, but the proposed talks risk unravelling before they begin. A tenuous two-week ceasefire has already come under strain, with renewed violence in Lebanon casting doubt over diplomatic momentum. Against this volatile backdrop, Tehran's parliament speaker has set out two clear preconditions, signalling that negotiations cannot proceed without tangible prior steps. Tehran’s two preconditions On Friday, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf explicitly outlined the country’s stance. Writing in English on X, he stated: “Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations.” He added unequivocally: “These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin.” ALSO READ: Pluto could be the ninth planet again? 10-year-old’s letter goes viral, NASA chief reacts The first demand centres on halting hostilities in Lebanon, where Israeli military operations against Hezbollah have intensified despite the broader ceasefire framework. However, the United States has maintained that Lebanon does not fall within the scope of its ceasefire understanding with Iran. The second demand relates to long-standing financial restrictions, with Tehran insisting on the release of its blocked overseas assets as a prerequisite for engagement. This condition reflects Iran’s continued push for tangible economic relief ahead of any formal negotiations, underscoring its position that substantive actions must precede diplomatic talks. These conditions reflect Tehran’s insistence on concrete actions rather than preliminary dialogue, effectively raising the stakes ahead of the Islamabad meeting. Ceasefire disputes and regional tensions ALSO READ: USS Abraham Lincoln: How carrier crews keep fighter jets mission-ready for months at sea The demand for a Lebanon ceasefire comes amid escalating violence. Iranian officials have accused Israel of breaching agreed terms, pointing to continued strikes that reportedly killed over 300 people in a single day earlier this week. Israel, however, maintains that Lebanon was not formally included in the original ceasefire arrangement drafted with US involvement. Addressing the issue, US President Donald Trump had also told PBS News in an interview on Wednesday that Lebanon is “not part of the ceasefire agreement… because of Hezbollah,” while adding that the situation would nevertheless “get taken care of.” The conflict has widened since Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel on March 2, prompting intensified Israeli air strikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have reportedly been displaced as Israeli forces target areas it considers Hezbollah strongholds. Diplomatic uncertainty ahead Further complicating matters, Israeli and Lebanese officials are expected to meet in Washington next week as the United States attempts to stabilise the situation. The outcome of those discussions may prove critical in determining whether US-Iran talks can proceed. For now, Tehran’s conditions remain firm, leaving the planned Islamabad negotiations hanging in the balance.

Against this volatile backdrop, Tehran's parliament speaker has set out two clear preconditions, signalling that negotiations cannot proceed without tangible prior steps.

US-Iran talks: Lebanon ceasefire, asset release—Tehran sets two key demands before negotiations in Pakistan

US Vice President JD Vance on Friday (April 10) departed for Pakistan to take part in highly anticipated talks between Tehran and Washington aimed at negotiating a lasting peace in West Asia. The discussions follow a fragile ceasefire reached on April 7, ending around 39 days of intense conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The war sent oil prices surging past $100 a barrel and dealt a severe blow to regional economies and global growth prospects.&nbsp;The 'Islamabad Talks' are being held in a highly uncertain environment, with both sides growing increasingly suspicious of each other. Key aspects of the ceasefire remain contested, including a halt to Israel's bombing campaign in Lebanon. Several media reports indicate that Tehran has threatened to pull out of the negotiations if Israeli Defence Forces strikes on Lebanon continue.&nbsp;The confusion stems from conflicting interpretations of the ceasefire terms. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly posted on X that the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was part of the deal, a post that, according to media reports, was shared with PMO &nbsp;in Islamabad by Washington itself.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mathura-boat-tragedy-10-dead-several-missing-after-vessel-capsizes-in-yamuna-1775826610896">Mathura boat tragedy: 10 dead, several missing after vessel capsizes in Yamuna</a>&nbsp;However, both Israel and the White House have since contested that characterisation. Tehran, for its part, has made clear it will not reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz as long as Israeli strikes persist.&nbsp;The US delegation will be led by Vance and will also include Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.&nbsp;Addressing reporters before departure, Vance struck a cautiously optimistic tone, saying Washington was open to constructive engagement if Iran approached the talks in good faith. "We're looking forward to the negotiation. I think it's going to be positive. As the President of the United States said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand," he said.&nbsp;However, he warned that Washington would not be receptive if Iran attempts to play games at the negotiating table. "If they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive," Vance added. The first round of talks is scheduled for Saturday morning, local time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The 'Islamabad Talks' are being held in a highly uncertain environment, with both sides growing increasingly suspicious of each other. Key aspects of the ceasefire remain contested, including a halt to Israel's bombing campaign in Lebanon.

US Vice President JD Vance on Friday (April 10) departed for Pakistan to take part in highly anticipated talks between Tehran and Washington aimed at negotiating a lasting peace in West Asia. The discussions follow a fragile ceasefire reached on April 7, ending around 39 days of intense conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The war sent oil prices surging past $100 a barrel and dealt a severe blow to regional economies and global growth prospects. The 'Islamabad Talks' are being held in a highly uncertain environment, with both sides growing increasingly suspicious of each other. Key aspects of the ceasefire remain contested, including a halt to Israel's bombing campaign in Lebanon. Several media reports indicate that Tehran has threatened to pull out of the negotiations if Israeli Defence Forces strikes on Lebanon continue. The confusion stems from conflicting interpretations of the ceasefire terms. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly posted on X that the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was part of the deal, a post that, according to media reports, was shared with PMO in Islamabad by Washington itself. Also Read: Mathura boat tragedy: 10 dead, several missing after vessel capsizes in Yamuna However, both Israel and the White House have since contested that characterisation. Tehran, for its part, has made clear it will not reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz as long as Israeli strikes persist. The US delegation will be led by Vance and will also include Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Addressing reporters before departure, Vance struck a cautiously optimistic tone, saying Washington was open to constructive engagement if Iran approached the talks in good faith. "We're looking forward to the negotiation. I think it's going to be positive. As the President of the United States said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand," he said. However, he warned that Washington would not be receptive if Iran attempts to play games at the negotiating table. "If they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive," Vance added. The first round of talks is scheduled for Saturday morning, local time. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The 'Islamabad Talks' are being held in a highly uncertain environment, with both sides growing increasingly suspicious of each other. Key aspects of the ceasefire remain contested, including a halt to Israel's bombing campaign in Lebanon.

US Vice President Vance departs for Pakistan as fragile ceasefire and mutual suspicion set stage for Iran talks

The talks follow weeks of conflict that disrupted global energy markets and heightened regional instability. The outcome of these negotiations carries immediate geopolitical and economic consequences.

US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad: Will fragile ceasefire hold as high-stakes talks begin? Five things to know

Less than 48 hours before high-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran were set to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif posted a series of messages on X describing Israel as "evil and a curse for humanity" and expressing hope that those who created "this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European Jews burn in hell." Now, the posts have been deleted.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-s-corruption-trial-to-resume-as-israel-lifts-war-emergency-iran-weighs-in-on-dumb-us-letting-him-kill-diplomacy-1775782561246">Netanyahu's corruption trial to resume as Israel lifts war emergency — Iran weighs in on 'dumb' US 'letting him kill diplomacy'</a><h2>What did Khwaja Asif say?</h2>In a post on X, the Pakistan Defence Minister claimed that, as "peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon. Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran, and now Lebanon, and bloodletting continues unabated."Calling Israel "cancerous," he added, “I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews [sic] burn in hell.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/HFe-76pXQAAYkDw.jpg"></figure><h2>Israel slams Asif's post</h2>Israel responded immediately and with considerable heat. The Prime Minister's Office called the remarks "outrageous," adding that they could not "be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace." Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar went further, describing Khawaja Muhammad Asif's comments as "blatant antisemitic blood libels" and stating plainly that "calling the Jewish state 'cancerous' is effectively calling for its annihilation.""Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-ghost-murmur-how-the-cia-used-secret-futuristic-tech-to-rescue-downed-us-f-15e-pilot-dude-44-bravo-amid-iran-war-1775647718461">'Ghost Murmur': How the CIA used secret futuristic tech to rescue downed US F-15E pilot 'Dude 44 Bravo' amid Iran war</a>The backlash extended beyond Israel. US Congressman Josh Gottheimer called the rhetoric "vile" and "beyond unacceptable," adding that it was "unproductive at this fragile moment, " adding, "This is not diplomacy and must be condemned".Analyst Emily Schrader argued Pakistan "should not be permitted to mediate anything."Former US official Ellie Cohanim noted that "Many of us were concerned by the idea of the country which harboured and sheltered 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden to serve as any kind of mediator". She added that "Pakistan has blown any notion of objectivity".Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Did Pakistan’s defence minister just derail peace talks before they began? Just days before US-Iran negotiations, Khwaja Asif posted explosive remarks about Israel, triggering sharp backlash before deleting them.

Diplomatic misstep or deeper stance?

Scroll down to read more.

Less than 48 hours before high-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran were set to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif posted a series of messages on X describing Israel as "evil and a curse for humanity" and expressing hope that those who created "this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European Jews burn in hell." Now, the posts have been deleted. Also read | Netanyahu's corruption trial to resume as Israel lifts war emergency — Iran weighs in on 'dumb' US 'letting him kill diplomacy' What did Khwaja Asif say? In a post on X, the Pakistan Defence Minister claimed that, as "peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon. Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran, and now Lebanon, and bloodletting continues unabated." Calling Israel "cancerous," he added, “I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews [sic] burn in hell.” Israel slams Asif's post Israel responded immediately and with considerable heat. The Prime Minister's Office called the remarks "outrageous," adding that they could not "be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace." Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar went further, describing Khawaja Muhammad Asif's comments as "blatant antisemitic blood libels" and stating plainly that "calling the Jewish state 'cancerous' is effectively calling for its annihilation." "Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction," he added. Also read | 'Ghost Murmur': How the CIA used secret futuristic tech to rescue downed US F-15E pilot 'Dude 44 Bravo' amid Iran war The backlash extended beyond Israel. US Congressman Josh Gottheimer called the rhetoric "vile" and "beyond unacceptable," adding that it was "unproductive at this fragile moment, " adding, "This is not diplomacy and must be condemned". Analyst Emily Schrader argued Pakistan "should not be permitted to mediate anything." Former US official Ellie Cohanim noted that "Many of us were concerned by the idea of the country which harboured and sheltered 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden to serve as any kind of mediator". She added that "Pakistan has blown any notion of objectivity". Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Did Pakistan’s defence minister just derail peace talks before they began? Just days before US-Iran negotiations, Khwaja Asif posted explosive remarks about Israel, triggering sharp backlash before deleting them.Diplomatic misstep or deeper stance?Scroll down to read more.

'Cancerous' Israel: Pakistan defence minister deletes anti-Israel post ahead of Islamabad peace talks

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is set to take center stage as he prepares for crucial face-to-face talks with Iran in Islamabad. With negotiations expected to begin Friday, the spotlight is firmly on Vance’s diplomatic role. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has credited China for helping broker the fragile truce, even as he claims the U.S. still holds untapped leverage over Iran.


US-Iran Ceasefire: JD Vance to Lead Face-to-Face Iran Talks in Islamabad

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US-Iran Truce Talks: Will Talks in Islamabad Lead to End of War?

US-Iran talks: What are the two key demands Tehran has set before negotiations?

Vance heads to Pakistan as fragile ceasefire, mistrust loom over US-Iran talks

Islamabad prepares to host negotiations between US and Iran: Five things to know

Pakistan's Defence Minister deletes 'cancerous' Israel post amid uproar

US-Iran Ceasefire: JD Vance to Lead Face-to-Face Iran Talks in Islamabad