Direct negotiations between Iran and the United States continue in Islamabad
High-level direct talks between the United States, Iran, and Pakistan are still underway in Islamabad, according to the White House, as efforts continue to reach an agreement that would lead to ending the conflict in the Middle East.
The White House announced that in-person trilateral negotiations between the United States, Iran, and Pakistan are ongoing in Islamabad, with the main goal of reaching an agreement to end the war in the Middle East.
A senior White House official said in a brief statement that the talks are ongoing, following reports from Iranian state media that two rounds of negotiations have already taken place, with a third expected.
What Iranian state television reports:
“According to information given to the state TV correspondent by a person close to the negotiating team, another round of talks will likely take place tonight or tomorrow,” reported Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.
At the same time, a correspondent for Iranian state television in Islamabad claimed that final efforts are being made to bridge the differences between the sides, accusing the United States of insisting on “excessive” demands.
The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the main points of serious disagreement, noting that the Islamic Republic insists on maintaining its military gains.
The talks are considered crucial for shaping a framework for de-escalation at a time of heightened geopolitical instability in the wider region.
Netanyahu: Israel will continue to fight Iran under my leadership
Israel’s intention to continue military operations against Iran and its allies was expressed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Specifically, the Israeli prime minister stated that his country will continue military action against Iran and its allies in a post on the platform X, which also included remarks directed at the Turkish president.
“Israel under my leadership will continue to fight the terrorist regime of Iran and its proxies,” Netanyahu said.
Israel–Lebanon talks on Tuesday
Israeli and Lebanese officials are expected to meet in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to begin talks. Israel states that Hezbollah will not be included in the ceasefire discussions with Lebanon.
Iranian sources: Mojtaba Khamenei has suffered serious injuries
The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, is recovering from serious injuries to his face and legs sustained during the airstrike that killed his father at the beginning of the war, according to three individuals close to his inner circle who spoke to Reuters.
Khamenei’s face was disfigured in the attack on the Supreme Leader’s complex in central Tehran, and he suffered serious injuries to one or both legs, according to all three sources.
Message from Pakistan’s Foreign Minister
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, said today that he hopes the United States and Iran will participate constructively in the peace talks, as the American delegation landed in the Pakistani capital.
Dar also reiterated Islamabad’s desire to continue facilitating both sides in achieving a “sustainable and lasting solution to the conflict,” according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
The U.S. Vice President, J. D. Vance, has just arrived in Islamabad, where negotiations are expected to take place in a climate of mutual distrust between the U.S. and Iran, aimed at ending the war in the Middle East after six weeks of fighting.
Footage from J. D. Vance’s arrival in Pakistan
J. D. Vance arrived earlier in Pakistan, where he was welcomed by the Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir.
“Talks in the afternoon”
The talks will not begin at the originally scheduled time, Iran’s Tasnim news agency—linked to the Revolutionary Guards—reported on Saturday.
According to the report, the delegations will first hold separate meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan in the afternoon, before sitting down at the negotiating table.
Indications that China is preparing to send weapons to Iran
U.S. intelligence information suggests that China may be preparing to send new anti-aircraft systems to Iran in the coming weeks.
According to sources who spoke to CNN, there are indications that Beijing is considering routing the shipments through third countries in order to conceal the true origin of the military equipment.
The systems reportedly being transferred include portable anti-aircraft missiles (MANPADS), which are considered particularly dangerous for low-flying military aircraft and helicopters, as they can act as an asymmetric threat—as has been demonstrated in previous conflicts.
J. D. Vance arrived in Islamabad
The Vice President of the United States, J. D. Vance, has just arrived in Islamabad, accompanied by the American delegation, according to the BBC.
Vance is expected to take part later today in talks with Iran, along with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The U.S. Vice President and his negotiating team departed yesterday from the United States for Pakistan. Shortly before his departure, he told reporters that he looks forward to the negotiations, while warning that if Iran attempts to mislead the U.S., Washington will show no tolerance.
Talks in a high-security hotel
Authorities in Pakistan have declared a local holiday to minimize public movement, while a high-security “red zone” has been established, including key government buildings and foreign embassies.
The talks are expected to take place in a hotel within this zone, which has already been evacuated for security reasons. Security teams from participating countries have arrived in the city and are closely coordinating with Pakistani authorities.
“We should not take Donald Trump so seriously”
In Iran, where authorities have cut off internet access for more than 1,000 hours, residents expressed doubts about the negotiations to Agence France-Presse.
“We should not take Donald Trump so seriously. He wants to erase a civilization from the map and 12 hours later enforces a ceasefire that is based on nothing,” said a 30-year-old resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Strict security measures in Pakistan
Strict security measures have been in place since yesterday morning in the capital of Pakistan ahead of the peace talks. Up to 10,000 security personnel, including military and police forces, along with intelligence agents, have been deployed to secure the negotiations.
Talks taking place in a climate of deep distrust
“We have good intentions, but we have no trust,” said the powerful Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, upon his arrival in Islamabad last night.
For his part, before boarding the plane, J. D. Vance warned Iran not to attempt any “games” with Washington.
J. D. Vance en route to Islamabad
The U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance is currently en route to Pakistan, where negotiations are expected to take place in a climate of mutual distrust between the United States and Iran, aimed at ending the war in the Middle East after six weeks of conflict.
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