Israel has expressed interest in beginning formal peace talks with Lebanese representatives in Washington next week but has made it clear that Hezbollah will not be included in the discussions. The announcement was made on Friday by Michael Letter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, who stated that Hezbollah continues to attack Israel and remains the biggest obstacle to peace between the two countries.

According to the report, a telephone conversation took place involving the U.S. ambassador in Beirut and the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington. Lebanon’s presidential office said in a statement that under U.S. mediation, discussions scheduled for Tuesday will address ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon and explore the possibility of a ceasefire.

The talks come amid heightened regional tensions, with the United States playing a mediating role to prevent further escalation between the two neighboring states.

At a discussion and prayer event marking the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Kamaruzzaman, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam Saddam alleged that Kamaruzzaman was judicially killed through a fabricated tribunal process. The program, organized by Dhaka College unit of Chhatra Shibir on Saturday, was attended by leaders from various levels of the organization.

In his speech, Nurul Islam said that after Bangladesh’s independence, the promises of justice, democracy, and equal rights were not fulfilled, and instead one-party rule and repression emerged. He argued that successive governments ignored the people’s mandate and that the current government continues to disregard public opinion. He described Kamaruzzaman as a visionary and fearless leader who strengthened Chhatra Shibir across campuses and contributed to the country’s Islamic movement through intellect and leadership.

Nurul Islam added that Kamaruzzaman’s steadfastness and sacrifice remain an inspiration for Islamic movement activists, portraying him as a symbol of resistance against injustice and oppression.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not yet fully recovered from serious injuries to his face and legs, according to a Reuters report. Despite his physical condition, he continues to participate in major decision-making, including ceasefire talks with Washington. Khamenei has not appeared in public or in any photos or videos since his appointment.

Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran’s Supreme Leader shortly after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint U.S. and Israeli attack. Reuters, citing three sources, reported that the attack also killed members of Mojtaba’s family, including his father, wife, and in-laws. The agency noted that these details could not be independently verified.

The report adds that discussions between Tehran and Washington are ongoing, focusing on ceasefire terms and regional issues, while tensions with Israel remain unresolved.

A sister of a martyr from the July uprising has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to implement the 'July Charter' and the verdict of the referendum. Speaking to the media, she called for the realization of the promises made during the movement, which she said were achieved through sacrifice but remain unfulfilled.

She expressed deep frustration and sorrow over the loss of her brother and the lack of support for families of those who died in the movement. She said her mother still worries whenever she leaves home, and no one has come forward to stand by them. She continues to feel her brother’s absence and waits for a phone call that will never come, describing how their hopes for the implementation of the referendum’s outcome have turned into disappointment.

Addressing the prime minister directly, she urged that the 'July Charter' and referendum verdict be passed in parliament, believing that only he has the authority to make it happen. She also recalled meeting him once at the Agriculture Institute, where he had called her “sister,” but lamented that no one has since checked on her family.

The United States and Iran have begun talks in Islamabad aimed at ending ongoing conflicts, according to a BBC report. Iranian state media IRINN reported that Tehran has warned the discussions could be canceled if its conditions are not met. Iranian officials stated that respecting Iran’s interests, demands, and red lines is essential, and that walking away from the talks could itself be seen as a form of success.

The report added that the Iranian delegation’s first meeting of the day was with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which the schedule for possible talks with US representatives was expected to be clarified. That meeting with Sharif has already taken place, according to the report.

Iranian state television emphasized Tehran’s conditions and lack of trust toward the United States, asserting that Iran holds a strong position in the negotiations and has the capacity to proceed without the talks if its terms are not fulfilled.

A White House official has denied reports claiming that the United States agreed to release Iran’s frozen assets held in foreign banks, according to Al Jazeera. The clarification came after Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian source, that Washington had consented to unfreeze Iranian funds in banks located in Qatar and other countries.

The U.S. side stated clearly that no such decision had been made. This denial has added further uncertainty to one of the key conditions in potential U.S.-Iran negotiations. The issue of Iran’s frozen assets remains central to broader diplomatic discussions involving Tehran, Washington, and other regional actors.

The report also mentioned that the matter has complicated ongoing talks in Islamabad, where Iran’s assets and the Lebanon ceasefire are among the main topics under discussion.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met separately with US Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation in Islamabad on April 11, 2026, during ongoing discussions. The US delegation included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were also present. Earlier, Sharif expressed hope that the talks would serve as an important step toward lasting regional peace.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating dialogue between the two countries. Earlier in the day, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with Sharif. However, details of Sharif’s meetings with both the US and Iranian representatives have not yet been disclosed.

The discussions in Islamabad are taking place amid complex regional issues, including Iran’s frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, as noted in related reports.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on the government to ensure transparent management and build a buffer stock to address Bangladesh’s ongoing energy crisis. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Agriculturists Forum of Bangladesh at the KIB 3D Hall in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Saturday, he urged the authorities to prioritize energy security with a minimum reserve of 60 to 90 days. He also emphasized breaking existing syndicates and developing alternative energy generation strategies for short, medium, and long terms.

Dr. Rahman criticized the government for failing to utilize national resources and institutions like BAPEX, arguing that despite being an independent country, Bangladesh remains dependent on external factors. He said the energy sector’s inefficiency and corruption have deepened the crisis, affecting agriculture and industry. He also highlighted that farmers are struggling to obtain fuel for irrigation, which could harm crop production.

The seminar, chaired by Professor Dr. A.T.M. Mahbub E. Elahi, also featured a keynote presentation by agriculturist Md. Mizanur Rahman. Dr. Rahman concluded by urging collective awakening and resistance to overcome the current national challenges.

An Iranian delegation comprising 71 members has arrived in Pakistan to participate in discussions with the United States, according to reports from Iranian and international media. The Tasnim News Agency stated that the delegation includes the main negotiation team as well as experts, media personnel, and members responsible for protocol and security. The talks are taking place in Islamabad.

The discussions are reportedly focused on key issues such as Iran’s frozen assets and the ceasefire in Lebanon. Ahead of the talks, Tehran issued a firm message emphasizing its readiness and strong stance. The United Nations Secretary-General has also made an appeal to both the United States and Iran before the start of the negotiations.

The outcome of these talks could influence regional stability and future diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States, though no details of progress or agreements have yet been disclosed.

A United States delegation is in Islamabad, Pakistan, for discussions with Iran aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Before the talks began, US President Donald Trump told reporters he had wished Vice President JD Vance good luck. Trump said he was unsure whether the discussions between the US and Iran would conclude in one round or continue in the coming days.

When asked if there was an alternative plan, Trump replied that no backup plan was needed. He described a good deal with Iran as one that ensures there are no nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed that Iran’s governing system had already changed. He further stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened soon, regardless of Iran’s cooperation, though he added that the US did not need it.

Responding to reports that Iran might impose tariffs on ships passing through the strait, Trump said the US would not allow that to happen.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a conservative Iranian politician with a military background, is leading Iran’s delegation in potential talks with the United States in Pakistan on Saturday. Before the discussions began, he expressed both optimism and distrust, citing past failures and breaches of commitments in previous negotiations. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported his remarks upon arrival in Islamabad.

Born in 1961, Ghalibaf joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1980 and served as a commander during the Iran-Iraq war. He later became Tehran’s longest-serving mayor, holding the position for 12 years from 2005, credited for infrastructure projects but also facing allegations of financial irregularities. Since May 2020, he has served as the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament.

Ghalibaf has contested Iran’s presidential elections four times, finishing fourth in 2005, second in 2013, withdrawing in 2017, and placing third in the 2024 early election. Despite nationwide internet restrictions since February 28, his account on X (formerly Twitter) remains active.

An Iranian delegation currently in Pakistan for talks with the United States on ending the ongoing war has been named 'Minab 168'. The name commemorates a deadly attack on a primary school in Minab, where more than 168 students and teachers were killed. Iran says the delegation’s name symbolizes the suffering of civilians and the need to end the conflict.

According to the report, Iran has faced continuous attacks for 40 days targeting civilians and infrastructure. The country accuses the United States and Israel of striking over 800 schools, more than 30 universities, health centers, and other facilities. By naming the delegation 'Minab 168', Iran aims to send a message to the United States and the international community about the human cost of the war.

The report adds that the name also represents a diplomatic opportunity, reflecting Iran’s attempt to resolve the crisis through dialogue.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that the outcome of the upcoming discussions in Islamabad will depend entirely on the priorities of the United States. He urged Washington to focus on an 'America First' policy rather than an 'Israel First' approach, according to Al Jazeera.

Aref posted on X that if US representatives concentrate on their 'America First' interests, a mutually beneficial agreement could be achieved. He warned against any implementation of an 'Israel First' agenda, saying such a move would lead to a situation without an agreement and compel Iran to continue its defense efforts more vigorously than before.

Aref further cautioned that such a scenario would impose a greater cost on the world. The Islamabad talks reportedly involve complex issues, including Iran’s assets and a Lebanon ceasefire, with the United Nations Secretary-General having made appeals to both the US and Iran before the discussions.

The United States and Iran are set to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, to discuss a range of contentious issues including the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran has insisted that formal negotiations can only begin once Washington commits to lifting sanctions and supporting a ceasefire in Lebanon, where nearly two thousand people have been killed since fighting began in March.

Iran seeks recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, including the right to collect transit fees and control access, while the US wants the waterway to remain open without restrictions or tolls. Washington has signaled interest in easing sanctions if Iran makes concessions on its nuclear and missile programs. Tehran, however, refuses to compromise on its missile arsenal and demands the withdrawal of US forces from the region.

The talks are expected to be complex, with Iran also seeking compensation for wartime damages and a commitment to non-aggression. The United Nations Secretary-General has urged both sides to engage constructively before the Islamabad meeting.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is participating in ongoing discussions with the United States under conditions of deep distrust. He clarified Tehran’s stance during a telephone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wedfull, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency. Araghchi said Washington’s repeated diplomatic betrayals and broken promises have left no room for trust.

He emphasized that Iran remains highly skeptical because of the United States’ history of violating diplomatic norms, but vowed to continue defending the rights and interests of the Iranian people. The upcoming peace talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, with mediation from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that Araghchi’s remarks may be intended to increase pressure on the United States ahead of the negotiations, which will be led on the U.S. side by Vice President J.D. Vance. Observers are watching to see how Iran’s message of distrust will affect the peace process.