An Iranian delegation headed by Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Friday, a day before scheduled peace talks with the United States. Ghalibaf emphasized that Washington must first agree to Iran’s “preconditions” before any formal negotiations could proceed.
Speaking in Islamabad, Ghalibaf said Iran is open to dialogue but remains deeply distrustful of the United States. He noted that Tehran is willing to reach an agreement if Washington presents what he described as a fair deal and recognizes Iran’s rights, according to Iranian state media.
He also reiterated that Iran’s conditions include a ceasefire in Lebanon—a point Iran and mediator Pakistan claim was already meant to be part of a broader truce framework with the US. However, both the United States and Israel have rejected that assertion. Additionally, Ghalibaf has called for the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets held abroad.
The Iranian team includes high-ranking political, military, and economic figures, such as the foreign minister, defense council secretary, central bank governor, and several lawmakers.
Meanwhile, a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance also departed for the talks on Friday. Vance cautioned Tehran against attempting to mislead the United States during the negotiations.
Ahead of the discussions, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the upcoming talks as “decisive,” stressing their importance.
“In response to my sincere invitation, the leadership of both nations is coming to Islamabad, where negotiations for peace will take place,” Sharif said in a national address.
Pakistan has expressed hope that both sides will engage constructively and reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating a lasting and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Strait of Hormuz to reopen soon ‘one way or the other’
Donald Trump made a series of sharp remarks ahead of the upcoming negotiations with Iran, repeatedly questioning Tehran’s position.
In posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed Iran lacked leverage, stating it had “no cards” apart from attempting short-term pressure through control of key international waterways. He also asserted that Iran’s current situation leaves it with no option but to come to the negotiating table.
Trump further criticized Iran’s strengths, saying it was more effective in handling media narratives and public relations than in military matters. He warned that if no agreement is reached, the United States would respond decisively and “very effectively.”
In an earlier, brief message, Trump described the moment as the beginning of the “world’s most powerful reset,” without offering further details.
In an interview with New York Post published Friday, Trump said US warships were being rearmed in preparation for possible military action if the talks in Islamabad fail.
“We are preparing a reset. Our ships are being loaded with the most advanced weapons ever developed—even more powerful than before,” Trump was quoted as saying, signaling a strong warning alongside the diplomatic push.
