Iran-US Ceasefire Talks Highlights: First phase of US-Iran talks ends, next talks likely tonight or tomorrow

Pope Leo XIV denounced the “delusion of omnipotence” driving the US-Israeli war in Iran, urging leaders to pursue peace, the Associated Press reported. Speaking at St. Peter’s Basilica, he decried “idolatry of self and money” and warned against power displays, in remarks seen as implicitly criticising Donald Trump.

Sources close to the mediation say the first phase of in-person talks has concluded, with the US and Iranian delegations now exchanging written texts.

The move is aimed at confirming that both sides are on the same page regarding the understandings and agreements reached during today’s discussions.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has begun setting conditions to clear sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with two US Navy guided-missile destroyers conducting operations on April 11.

USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy transited the strait and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of efforts to ensure the waterway is free of mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the process of establishing a new safe passage has begun and will soon be shared with the maritime industry to support the free flow of commerce. Additional US forces, including underwater drones, are expected to join the operation in the coming days.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, urging him to “seize the opportunity” presented by the Islamabad talks to pave the way for lasting de-escalation.

In a post on X, Macron stressed the need for Iran to restore freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible, adding that France is ready to contribute. He also underlined the importance of full respect for the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.

Indian-flagged LPG carrier Jag Vikram safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a formal release. The ship, with 24 seafarers on board, is carrying approximately 20,400 MT of LPG. It is expected to arrive at Mumbai on April 15, the ministry added.

The White House has said Vice President JD Vance and other US officials have met in person with Iran’s delegation in Islamabad.

A massive protest is underway in Beirut, with people denouncing the government’s negotiations with Israel and expressing solidarity with the resistance.

A White House official has said full teams of US experts across relevant subject areas are present in Islamabad for the ongoing talks.

The official added that additional experts are also supporting the discussions remotely from Washington.

Lebanon Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has cancelled his planned visit to Washington next week, where he was scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Salam cited the current internal conditions in Lebanon and said it was necessary for him to remain in the country to fulfil his duty of preserving the security and unity of the Lebanese people.

Al Jazeera has indicated there has been some progress on basic conditions in the ongoing talks, including discussions about a ceasefire in Lebanon. While no formal agreement has been reached, there are indications that strikes could be limited to southern parts of Lebanon.

There are also signs of potential movement on the unfreezing of Iranian assets, a key demand from Tehran. Though developments remain in early stages and await confirmation, Pakistani officials are said to be hopeful about the possibility of a breakthrough.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the US has terminated lawful permanent resident status of individuals linked to Masoumeh Ebtekar, who he described as a spokesperson during the 1979 US Embassy crisis in Tehran.

Rubio said Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi and their son are now in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement pending removal from the country.

He added that their residency had been granted under previous administrations, and asserted that the US will not allow individuals linked to anti-American activities to benefit from living in the country.

A US vessel turned back after receiving a warning, a senior Iranian military official told state TV.

Iranian state TV has said a warning was issued to a US military ship, stating it would be attacked within 30 minutes if it crosses the Strait of Hormuz.

Al Jazeera reported, citing sources, that delegations will remain in Islamabad for a day, while expert-level discussions continue to finalise conditions. Iranian committees are actively engaged, with diplomats noting that key outcomes will only emerge once closed-door negotiations conclude.

French President Emmanuel Macron says he has discussed the situation in the Middle East with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a recent call. In a post on X, Macron said he reiterated his full support for the ceasefire, which “must be fully respected and extended without delay in Lebanon”. “We discussed the need to restore fully free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible,” Macron said.

Face-to-face trilateral talks were held between US, Iranian and Pakistani representatives in Islamabad, a Pakistani source told news agency Reuters

The US side included Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Iran was represented by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi.

Pakistan’s Army Chief also participated in the discussions, the source said.

Iran has said that the ceasefire in Lebanon has not been fully achieved, stressing that the United States must ensure Israel complies with the agreement.

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran is “losing big” in the ongoing conflict, claiming that its naval and air capabilities, missile and drone infrastructure, and leadership have been severely weakened.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also said the US has begun the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a move benefiting multiple countries. He added that empty oil tankers from various nations are heading to the United States to load oil.

US President Donald Trump has said that the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz has now begun.

Sirens sounded in the Western Galilee after a Hezbollah rocket attack from Lebanon, triggering alerts in Nahariya and nearby towns, as reported by the Times of Israel.

Several US Navy ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, a US official said, according to an Axios reporter on X.

Trilateral talks between Iran, the United States and Pakistan have begun in Islamabad, a Pakistani source told news agency Reuters.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said that a ceasefire in Lebanon was part of the agreement, adding that the Pakistani side had also confirmed this.

The Iran discussions that US Vice President JD Vance is in Islamabad for have now begun, according to White House sources cited by India Today.

An Iranian delegation is in contact with Hezbollah to make necessary decisions as part of its preparations for talks with the United States, says Press TV

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reports that an Israeli air attack on the town of Kfar Sir in the Nabatieh district killed four people, including a paramedic, and injured four.

Another Israeli strike on the town of Zefta, also in the Nabatieh district, killed three people, including a member of the Lebanese Civil Defence, and wounded two.

US President Donald Trump has said that massive numbers of completely empty oil tankers, including some of the largest in the world, are currently heading to the United States to load what he described as the “best and sweetest” oil and gas.

US intelligence indicates that China is preparing to deliver new air defence systems to Iran within the next few weeks, CNN reported, citing people familiar with recent intelligence assessments.

The report said there are indications that Beijing is working to route the shipments through third countries to mask their origin.

An Iran state TV reporter has said Tehran’s key red lines in the ongoing conflict include control over the Strait of Hormuz, payment of war reparations, the release of its blocked assets, and a ceasefire across the region.

Iran’s consulate in India has said that a second shipment of donated medical supplies from the people of India has been dispatched to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

Officials say the ongoing discussions are currently being held separately between Pakistan and the United States, and between Pakistan and Iran, with no direct trilateral engagement at this stage.

They indicated that once key demands and conditions from both sides are met, the talks could move into a trilateral format. Pakistan is providing full facilitation, while leaving it to the parties to decide the structure they are most comfortable with.

The issue of Lebanon remains unresolved, though officials note there are positive signals emerging from Islamabad as discussions continue.

A US official on Saturday denied reports that Washington has agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets. Reuters reported earlier in the day that the U.S. had agreed to release Iranian frozen assets held in Qatar and other foreign banks, citing a senior Iranian source.

As the Islamabad talks commenced, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance.

The US delegation included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while the Prime Minister was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Sharif commended both sides for engaging constructively and expressed hope that the talks would serve as a stepping stone toward durable peace. He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to facilitate efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the region.

US Vice President JD Vance has held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the White House said.

In a phone call with his German counterpart, FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran is entering the talks with full distrust because of the US repeated breaches and betrayals of diplomacy.
 

An earthquake of magnitude 4.58 struck southern Iran on Saturday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The tremor occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometres, according to the agency, which monitors global seismic activity.

The quake was shallow, at 10 km depth, a level commonly associated with stronger surface shaking in affected regions.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The region is part of a seismically active belt where earthquakes are frequent due to ongoing tectonic movement.

Pakistan has called for Lebanon to be included in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran, as diplomatic efforts continue in Islamabad. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan believes the situation requires a “package ceasefire” to prevent continued instability across the region.

He warned that excluding Lebanon would undermine the broader peace process, urging all parties to avoid actions that could derail talks. Iqbal also said Pakistan hopes to help both sides reach an agreement to extend the ceasefire and hold further rounds of negotiations, describing that outcome as a key measure of success.

The comments come amid differing interpretations of the ceasefire framework, with Pakistan viewing Lebanon as part of the agreement, while the US and Israel maintain it is separate.

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has said that US-Iran peace talks could lead to an agreement if Washington pursues its interests in line with President Donald Trump's "America First" doctrine. In a social media post, Aref said no deal would be possible if Iran was confronted by what he described as “Israel first” representatives.

He cautioned that failure of the talks could raise global costs if the U.S. and Israel return to conflict with Iran.

Lebanon's National News Agency said three people were killed after an airstrike flattened a residential building in Maifadoun town in the southern Nabatiyeh province.

The agency also reported a series of Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon ahead of US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan. Separately, Hezbollah said it launched a barrage of rockets targeting a military facility in northern Israel.

The Iranian delegation has arrived at Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad for a key meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, ahead of expected negotiations with the United States. The meeting is part of a series of high-level engagements being held before formal talks begin.

The visit underscores Pakistan’s central mediating role, as both Iran and the US hold separate discussions with Islamabad leadership before entering the main round of negotiations aimed at easing the ongoing six-week conflict.

Iranian state TV has indicated that the timing of negotiations with the US delegation in Islamabad will depend on whether Tehran’s preconditions are clarified. The statement underscores ongoing uncertainty around when formal talks will begin, despite both sides being present in the Pakistani capital.

Tehran has consistently maintained that negotiations cannot proceed without prior commitments, including issues related to Lebanon and sanctions relief, reflecting deep mistrust and a cautious approach to the diplomatic process.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he hopes the United States and Iran will engage constructively as high-level peace talks begin in Islamabad. His remarks came as the US delegation landed in the Pakistani capital for negotiations aimed at ending the six-week conflict.

Dar also reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating dialogue, saying Pakistan aims to help both sides reach a “lasting and durable solution” to the crisis, positioning itself as a key mediator in efforts to stabilise the region.

Iran’s negotiating team held a meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir in Islamabad ahead of crucial talks with the United States, according to reports. The engagement highlights Pakistan’s central role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides, with military channels also actively involved in the diplomatic process.

A separate meeting between the Iranian delegation and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled for 1 pm, following which formal negotiations are expected to proceed. The sequence of high-level engagements underscores the cautious and layered approach being adopted ahead of the main talks.

The much-anticipated Iran-US negotiations in Islamabad are likely to be delayed, with talks now expected to begin later this afternoon instead of the earlier scheduled 8 am local time, according to a Tasnim correspondent.

The delay adds to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the talks, which have already faced questions over preconditions and sequencing. Previous reports have highlighted shifting timelines and mixed signals from Tehran on participation, reflecting the fragile and complex nature of the diplomatic process.

US intelligence assessments suggest China is preparing to deliver new air defence systems to Iran within weeks, according to a CNN report citing sources familiar with the matter. The shipments are believed to include shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems, raising concerns over a potential escalation in the conflict.

There are also indications Beijing may route the equipment through third countries to mask its origin. There has been no immediate response from the US State Department, the White House, or the Chinese embassy in Washington.

The development comes just ahead of high-level US-Iran talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the six-week war, adding another layer of complexity to already fragile negotiations.

US Vice-President JD Vance’s aircraft is expected to land in Islamabad within the next hour, according to open-source flight tracking data. The special flight, travelling from Paris, is routing through Central Asian countries and deliberately avoiding Iranian airspace amid heightened regional tensions, reported by Pranay.

The movement comes as Washington’s delegation prepares for high-stakes talks with Iran, with security and logistical precautions underscoring the sensitivity of the diplomatic engagement.

Sirens were triggered across parts of northern Israel after a drone was detected approaching from Lebanon, according to the Israeli Home Front Command. Alerts were sounded in Arab al-Aramshe and several towns in the Western Galilee, signalling heightened tensions along the border.

The development comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with cross-border threats continuing despite broader ceasefire efforts linked to the wider Iran-US conflict.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah said it struck an Israeli army gathering inside a house in the town of Sham’a in southern Lebanon, signalling continued escalation along the border despite ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.

The group added that it fired missiles towards the settlements of Kiryat Shmona, Metula and Misgav Am, and also targeted infrastructure linked to the Israeli army in Safed. The claims highlight intensifying cross-border exchanges as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah remain high.

Ground reports from northern Israel and southern Lebanon indicate that Israeli forces are continuing operations against Hezbollah despite the broader ceasefire dynamics involving Iran. Israel has maintained that the truce does not apply to the Lebanon front, treating it as a separate conflict theatre.

Israeli leadership has also made it clear there is “no ceasefire in Lebanon,” with operations aimed at countering Hezbollah threats and restoring security along the border.

Middle East conflict: Ongoing strikes and empty shelters reflect fragile situation on ground

The continued military activity has shaped ground realities in northern areas, where tensions remain high and civilian movement is limited, with reports suggesting shelters remain largely unused amid uncertainty.

Clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, including strikes and retaliatory fire, have persisted in recent days, underlining why Israel is reluctant to extend any ceasefire framework to Hezbollah-held areas in southern Lebanon.

Iran's chief negotiator in Islamabad is Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, 64, a former Tehran mayor who earlier served as a commander in the Revolutionary Guard. Holding a PhD in political geography from Tarbiat Modares University, Ghalibaf has recently drawn attention beyond Iran for his sharp, often wry posts on X. He has contested the presidency four times -- in 2005, 2013, 2017 and 2024.

US intelligence indicates China may be preparing to ship weapons or military components to Iran, according to a CNN report, raising concerns in Washington amid a fragile ceasefire talks scheduled to take place in Islamabad later today. Officials familiar with the assessment say the US is tracking signs of potential material support from Beijing to Tehran, a move that could complicate ongoing efforts to keep the truce intact. 

Israeli airstrikes have reportedly targeted the towns of Toul and Jebchit in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh governorate, Al Jazeera Arabic reported. There has been no immediate confirmation from the Israeli military, and no early reports of casualties have emerged.

The Israeli military said it detected a drone entering from Lebanon, prompting sirens in Arab al-Aramshe and multiple towns across the Western Galilee, according to Al Jazeera. This came amid continued exchanges of fire between Israel and Lebanon in recent days, even as calls for a ceasefire persist.

US Vice-President JD Vance is on his way to Pakistan to lead Washington’s delegation in high-stakes peace talks with Iran. Speaking before departure, he said the United States is open to engagement if Tehran negotiates “in good faith,” signalling cautious optimism ahead of the meeting.

However, Vance also issued a warning, saying any attempt by Iran to “play” the US would not be received well, adding that President Donald Trump has set clear guidelines for the negotiating team.

The delegation also includes Jared Kushner and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, both of whom have previously been involved in ceasefire negotiations in other major conflicts.

Fighting in Lebanon continues to complicate the wider conflict, with Israeli strikes and Hezbollah counterattacks intensifying despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. A strike on a government building in Nabatieh reportedly killed 13 Lebanese state security personnel, while Hezbollah responded with rocket fire targeting northern Israel.

Diplomatic channels remain active, with Israeli and Lebanese officials set to meet in Washington. However, both sides differ on whether discussions will focus on a ceasefire or broader peace negotiations, underscoring the fragile and contested nature of current efforts.

US President Donald Trump said Iran “has no cards” apart from leveraging international waterways, warning that Washington would not be easily swayed in negotiations. Vice President JD Vance expressed cautious optimism but warned against any attempt by Tehran to “play” the US team.

Despite a two-week ceasefire halting US and Israeli airstrikes, tensions remain high. Iran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy supplies, while violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon continues to threaten broader peace efforts.
 

The United States and Iran are set to hold crucial talks in Islamabad on Saturday to end their six-week conflict, though uncertainty looms after Tehran insisted negotiations cannot begin without commitments on Lebanon and sanctions relief. The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance and including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is en route after a stop in Paris, while Iran’s team led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi arrived earlier.

Iran has demanded the unfreezing of assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon before talks begin, while Washington and Israel maintain the Lebanon conflict is separate from the current ceasefire framework.

Iran’s negotiating team arrived in Islamabad on Friday for peace talks with the United States, even as Tehran flagged preconditions that have cast last-minute uncertainty over the meetings. The high-stakes engagement follows a fragile ceasefire announced earlier this week, raising hopes of de-escalation.

US President Donald Trump had declared a two-week ceasefire in the six-week conflict, halting US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. However, Iran’s continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Israel-Hezbollah tensions in Lebanon have kept the wider crisis unresolved.

US-Israel-Iran war: Iran links start of talks to unfreezing assets and Lebanon ceasefire

Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Washington had earlier agreed to unblock Iranian assets and ensure a ceasefire in Lebanon, adding that negotiations would not begin until those commitments are met. The stance underscores Tehran’s insistence on guarantees before formal talks proceed.

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting Israeli soldiers gathered in a house in Chama, a town in southern Lebanon, according to a report by The New York Times. The group said the attack was in response to repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire reached with Iran, which Tehran and Hezbollah say includes Lebanon.

There was no immediate word on casualties from the early Saturday strike. The incident highlights how continued Israel-Hezbollah clashes remain a key obstacle to broader peace efforts involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Iran’s top negotiator arrived at Islamabad airport ahead of high-stakes talks with the United States, expressing cautious optimism but stressing a lack of trust in Washington. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker, said the delegation carries “hope but does not trust” its American counterparts, setting a guarded tone for the negotiations.

He added that Iran remains open to an agreement if the US demonstrates genuine intent. However, he warned that past experience has shaped Tehran’s skepticism, claiming previous negotiations with the United States have “always ended in failure and violations of commitments.”

The Strait of Hormuz continues to face significant disruption, with only a limited number of vessels carrying oil and essential cargo passing through despite ceasefire efforts. The situation has tightened global supply chains, with Iran’s influence over the strategic waterway contributing to sharp increases in consumer fuel prices in the United States and creating ripple effects across global markets.

Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon is further complicating diplomatic efforts in West Asia. Lebanese and Israeli diplomats held discussions today and are scheduled to meet again in the United States on Tuesday. Iran’s parliament speaker has also stated that any negotiations with the US depend on a ceasefire being established in Lebanon, linking multiple conflict theatres.
 

Iranian officials have arrived in Pakistan ahead of Saturday’s closely watched negotiations with the United States, setting the stage for a tense diplomatic engagement.

US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could renew and intensify strikes if a peace agreement is not reached, while Pakistan’s prime minister has described the weekend as a “make-or-break moment” for the region.

The talks come as regional instability continues to escalate, with additional pressure from multiple conflict zones influencing negotiations.
 

US President Donald Trump responded to a question on whether any move would be allowed to “toll” or restrict the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that such an action will not be permitted. He said the waterway is international waters and any attempt to control or charge for passage would be blocked. The remarks came after a reporter asked about potential Iranian actions linked to the strategic maritime route amid rising regional tensions.

The Jinnah Convention Centre in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, which has been designated as the media center for the upcoming U.S.-Iran talks, is fully prepared to host global media.

The centre has been equipped with relevant facilities, and a growing number of journalists have gathered at the venue.

According to Pakistani media officials at the centre, while the talks are set to begin on Saturday, no details have been released on the exact timing, and the format of the first phase remains unclear.

The high-stakes negotiations will unfold amid a two-week ceasefire announced on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump has said that developments linked to talks in Islamabad will be closely assessed, adding that his administration would soon gain clarity on the situation.

“We’ll find out what’s going on. They’re militarily defeated and now we’re going to open up the [Strait]… You have a good team and they meet tomorrow. We’ll see how it all works out,” Trump said, without providing further details on the specific negotiations or the reference to the strait.

The remarks come amid heightened attention on diplomatic engagements involving Islamabad, with Trump indicating that upcoming meetings involving the negotiating team would be crucial in determining the direction of discussions.

However, the US President did not elaborate on which parties were involved in the talks or what specific issues were being addressed, leaving key questions unanswered.

Further details on the outcome of the scheduled meeting are expected once discussions conclude tomorrow.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US expects to have the Strait of Hormuz "open fairly soon," though he did not provide details and acknowledged that achieving this would not be easy.

Trump also indicated that other countries were offering assistance, without naming them.

"Other countries use the strait. So we do have other countries coming up, and they'll help out," Trump said, according to Reuters.

An airstrike struck a police checkpoint in Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip early on Saturday, killing at least six people and wounding several others, medics said. It was not immediately clear whether all of those killed were police personnel. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, according to Reuters.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he received a warm call from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday evening, during which the two leaders discussed efforts to sustain the Iran-US ceasefire and build conditions for lasting peace and stability in the region. Sharif said Starmer appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role in helping facilitate the truce and advance dialogue, and he also welcomed a joint statement by key European and international leaders backing Islamabad’s peace initiatives. The two leaders further discussed ways to strengthen Pakistan-UK ties across areas of mutual interest, with Sharif saying he looked forward to welcoming Starmer to Pakistan.

If Iran’s preconditions are accepted, negotiations with the US will begin in Islamabad on Saturday afternoon, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported. 

Israel refused to discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, but has agreed to begin formal peace negotiations with Lebanon on Tuesday, Israel's ambassador to the United States said on Friday, according to Reuters.

Lebanon and Israel have held their first direct contact via a telephone call between their ambassadors in Washington, in a US-facilitated effort to de-escalate tensions and pave the way for formal negotiations, the Lebanese presidency said on Friday.

The call, which also included the US ambassador to Lebanon, was part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and opening a path to talks between the two sides, according to the statement.

Lebanon and Israel agreed during the exchange to hold their first formal meeting on Tuesday, April 14, at the US State Department in Washington, with the United States acting as mediator.

Iran Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for peace talks with the US, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said. 

Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 1,900 people have been killed in over a month of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, with the humanitarian toll continuing to rise.

In its latest update, the ministry said at least 357 people were killed and over 1,223 wounded in widespread Israeli strikes on central Beirut and other areas on Wednesday, noting the figures are not final as rescue and identification efforts continue. Wednesday marked the deadliest day in more than five weeks of renewed fighting.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said hosting the US-Iran talks is “not just a proud moment for Pakistan but for the entire Muslim world.” His remarks underscore Islamabad’s positioning as a key facilitator in the high-stakes diplomatic effort aimed at advancing ceasefire talks and easing regional tensions.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described the US-Iran talks as “make or break” in efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire. Sharif said the leadership of both countries will begin talks in Islamabad tomorrow, underlining the high stakes of the discussions aimed at stabilising the region and advancing a long-term truce.

Air traffic data from Flightradar24 shows two Iranian flights, Iran04 and Iran05, en route to Pakistan ahead of talks with the United States in Islamabad on Saturday.

It is not yet confirmed whether the aircraft are carrying Iranian negotiators, but the flight numbers are typically associated with planes used to transport government officials.

Pope Leo XIV has condemned the ongoing violence in the Middle East, calling it “absurd and inhuman” as a fragile ceasefire holds ahead of talks.

In a series of posts on X, he said violence was spreading “ferociously through the sacred places of the Christian East” and stressed that “no cause can justify the shedding of innocent blood.”

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is relying on what he described as “short-term extortion of the world” through international waterways, asserting that Tehran has “no cards” in the ongoing conflict.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways.” He further added, “The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate,” underscoring his hardline stance amid escalating tensions.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the United States must adhere to its commitments, including ensuring that Lebanon is part of the ceasefire and halting Israeli attacks on the country.

According to state media, Araghchi stressed that the terms of the agreement are clear and warned that continued Israeli operations against Lebanon risk undermining the broader ceasefire framework.

The office of Lebanon's President says 12 state security personnel were killed in an Israeli strike on the southern city of Nabatieh on Friday. According to Lebanese media reports, the strike took place near a State Security agency office and caused extensive damage to the government building.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets must take place before any negotiations can move forward.

His remarks come amid ongoing tensions over ceasefire terms, with Iran insisting that conditions related to Lebanon and financial relief be addressed as part of the broader diplomatic process.

Israel’s military says it has destroyed a total of 4,300 Hezbollah sites and “eliminated” 1,400 of the group’s members since intensifying attacks on Lebanon early last month. In its latest update, the military said five of its divisions are conducting “targeted operations” simultaneously in southern Lebanon as part of the ongoing invasion.

Hezbollah said it fired a precision missile at Ashdod’s naval base; the Israel Defense Forces intercepted it. No damage or injuries were reported, marking a deep strike, according to The Times of Israel.

Donald Trump declared "WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL RESET" as JD Vance departed for Islamabad to lead high-stakes Iran peace negotiations.

Japan voiced "serious concern" over escalating Israeli operations in Lebanon, urging all sides to halt hostilities and follow international law, the Associated Press reported. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stressed respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At least eight Lebanese security personnel were killed after heavy airstrikes struck Nabatiyeh, destroying multiple buildings, according to Al Jazeera citing Lebanon’s National News Agency. The incident was described as a "horrific massacre," with ambulances rushing wounded victims to hospitals amid ongoing rescue efforts.

The head of Iran’s Parliament National Security Commission has said that a parliamentary proposal seeks to mandate that transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz be paid in Iran’s national currency, the rial.

According to a post shared by Iran’s consulate general in Mumbai on Friday, the proposal is part of broader efforts to regulate passage through the strategic waterway, amid ongoing regional tensions.

A US trade representative has said Washington wants to maintain a stable relationship with China, but cautioned that tensions could rise if Beijing engages with Iran in ways that go against US interests.

In an interview with CNBC, Jamieson Greer said he expects Donald Trump to have a productive meeting next month with Chinese President Xi Jinping, though he acknowledged that not all challenges between the two countries have been resolved.

US Vice President JD Vance has departed for Pakistan to hold peace talks with Iran, expressing cautious optimism ahead of the negotiations.

“We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive,” Vance said, while adding that the outcome will depend on Iran’s approach. He noted that if Tehran engages in good faith and extends an open hand, progress is possible.

However, Vance also struck a firm tone, warning that any attempt to “play” the US would be met with resistance, as the negotiating team would not be receptive to such tactics. He added that the President has laid out clear guidelines for the talks, and the situation will unfold accordingly.