United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the upcoming peace talks between Iran and the United States, calling on both sides to participate with goodwill. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, conveyed the message during a press briefing at the UN on Friday, emphasizing the importance of using this opportunity to work toward a lasting and comprehensive agreement aimed at easing tensions and preventing renewed conflict.

Dujarric added that the Secretary-General reaffirmed there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of disputes in full compliance with the UN Charter and international law. The UN’s position underscores its continued commitment to diplomatic solutions amid ongoing regional and bilateral strains.

The call comes as both nations prepare for discussions amid complex regional dynamics, including issues related to Iran’s assets and ceasefire efforts in Lebanon, as noted in related reports.

Pakistan has emerged at the center of global diplomacy as it hosts long-anticipated peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. The discussions, beginning today, follow Pakistan’s successful mediation of a two-week ceasefire between Iran and its adversaries. To commemorate the occasion, Islamabad has been decorated with digital billboards displaying the ‘Islamabad Talks’ logo, and the government has declared a two-day public holiday.

The world’s attention is now on these talks, with hopes that they will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to ongoing conflicts. Abdul Basit, a South Asia expert at Nanyang Technological University, described the development as a major victory for Pakistan, noting that the country helped avert a potential global crisis when others could not.

Analysts caution that failure of the talks could expose Pakistan to severe risks, including renewed conflict with neighboring Iran. For a nation that only two years ago faced near-default and continues to manage tense relations with India, the success of these negotiations is seen as crucial. Pakistani citizens have taken to social media to celebrate what they view as a diplomatic triumph.

Israel has come under intense international criticism following airstrikes in Lebanon during an ongoing ceasefire. On Friday, Israeli attacks in Nabatieh killed at least 13 security personnel, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The strikes targeted areas near a government complex, including a state security office. Earlier in the week, an assault on a residential area in Beirut left more than 300 dead and over a thousand injured.

Countries across Europe, Asia, and South Asia have condemned the attacks. Pakistan, which mediated the ceasefire, sharply criticized Israel, while India and Japan expressed deep concern and urged respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty. Ireland’s foreign minister called the strikes “barbaric” and demanded enforcement of the ceasefire. The Arab League reaffirmed its solidarity with Lebanon and emphasized the need to include the country in the U.S.-Iran truce agreement.

Iran’s parliament speaker linked future talks with the United States to a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s frozen assets, signaling potential complications in upcoming negotiations in Islamabad.

A high-level and sensitive round of talks between Iran and the United States is set to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. Iran’s 71-member delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, includes senior officials such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Central Bank Governor Naser Hemmati, and members of the Supreme National Security Council. The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, comprises around 100 members including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper, and White House Policy Planning Director Michael Anton.

At the center of the discussions is a 15-point proposal from the Trump administration, reportedly covering Iran’s nuclear commitments, uranium transfer, defense restrictions, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has indicated it will negotiate based on its own 10-point plan, while Vance warned that Washington will maintain a firm stance if Tehran lacks goodwill. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as a decisive moment for bilateral relations.

Security has been tightened around Islamabad’s Serena Hotel, where the discussions are taking place, reflecting the global significance of the negotiations.

A United States delegation has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, to participate in discussions with Iran aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. The delegation is led by US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Jared Kushner and senior adviser Steve Witkoff. They were received by Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. According to Reuters, around 100 members of the US delegation are already in the city.

The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived earlier on Friday. It includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Deputy of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Bagheri Kani, and other senior officials. Pakistan’s top officials, including Ishaq Dar, Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, welcomed the Iranian team.

Reports indicate that the Islamabad talks face complexities, with key issues involving Iran’s frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon. The United Nations Secretary-General has also urged both the United States and Iran to engage constructively before the discussions begin.

A 71-member Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad to participate in discussions with the United States. The delegation includes negotiators, experts, media representatives, and security personnel. It is led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, National Defense Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei among the members. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Defense Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the delegation at Islamabad airport.

Before departing for Pakistan, U.S. delegation head and Vice President JD Vance expressed a positive outlook, saying the United States was ready to extend a helping hand if Iran approached the talks with goodwill. The discussions are expected to address complex issues, including Iran’s frozen assets and the Lebanon ceasefire.

Tehran has signaled a firm stance ahead of the talks, emphasizing that while an agreement with the United States may be possible, no such deal is expected with Israel.

China is reportedly preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks, according to a CNN report citing three officials familiar with recent U.S. intelligence assessments. The intelligence review suggested that Iran may be using the current ceasefire period to reestablish certain weapons systems with the help of key foreign partners.

Two sources told CNN that Beijing might attempt to conceal the true origin of the weapons shipment by routing it through a third country. The systems reportedly include shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, known as MANPADS, which previously posed a significant threat to low-flying U.S. military aircraft during a five-week conflict and could do so again if the ceasefire collapses.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington denied the allegations, stating that China has never supplied weapons to any party in the conflict. The spokesperson added that China fulfills its international obligations responsibly and urged the U.S. to stop making unfounded accusations and spreading sensational claims, calling for all sides to help reduce tensions.

Bangladesh has condemned the death of a Bangladeshi woman in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka issued a statement on Saturday expressing strong condemnation of the attack that killed Dipali Begum in Beirut. The statement also extended condolences to her family and expressed solidarity with them during this difficult time.

According to the ministry, Bangladesh denounced the recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon that caused civilian casualties and injuries. The statement said such incidents undermine ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. The Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanon is in contact with Dipali Begum’s family and will arrange for the repatriation of her body depending on the situation.

The government reiterated its concern over the loss of civilian lives and emphasized the importance of regional peace and stability, as reflected in its official statement.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Pakistan with an Iranian delegation to participate in discussions with the United States. A photograph taken inside his aircraft drew attention, showing empty seats adorned with pictures and belongings of children killed in the Minab school attack on February 28, the first day of the war. The attack, reportedly carried out by a US-Israeli coalition, claimed many lives, including schoolchildren.

Ghalibaf shared the image on the X platform, captioning it as a tribute to the victims of the Minab primary school, referring to them as his companions on the flight. Reports indicate that at least 165 people were killed and hundreds injured in the incident, which has since become central to Iran’s diplomatic messaging.

The discussions in Islamabad are beginning amid tensions over ceasefire negotiations, military strain, and fragile diplomatic conditions. Ghalibaf’s symbolic gesture was seen as a strong message before the talks commenced.

At least 13 members of Lebanon’s security forces were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Nabatieh, according to the state-run National News Agency. The report said Israel carried out extensive air raids in the area, including a strike near a government complex that hit a state security office.

The attack occurred as the Lebanese government prepared for negotiations next week aimed at ending its ongoing war with Israel, which began in early March and has already claimed around 1,900 lives in Lebanon. Lebanese President announced that a meeting would take place in Washington next week between Tel Aviv and Lebanese representatives to discuss a ceasefire and broader peace efforts between the neighboring countries.

The developments come amid regional diplomatic tensions, with discussions also involving the United States and Iran over related issues, including the Lebanon ceasefire and frozen Iranian assets.

Iran and the United States are set to meet in Islamabad on Saturday to discuss a possible ceasefire, but renewed tensions between the two sides have cast doubt on the talks. The US delegation is en route, while the Iranian team has already arrived. The meeting follows a ceasefire agreement announced Tuesday that temporarily halted US and Israeli military actions against Iran, yet disagreements over Iran’s ten-point proposal have since emerged.

Both sides have offered differing interpretations of the ceasefire terms, particularly regarding whether it applies to Israel’s operations in Lebanon. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the talks could collapse before they begin, citing two unmet preconditions: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s frozen assets. Iranian state media later confirmed that negotiations would start only if Washington accepted these terms.

Former US President Donald Trump reiterated threats against Iran, saying his administration was prepared to use advanced weaponry if no deal is reached. Analysts noted deep divisions remain over Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, frozen assets, nuclear program, and Israel’s actions in Lebanon.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen very soon, regardless of Iran’s cooperation. He made the remarks on Friday while speaking to reporters before peace talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan. The strategic waterway has been effectively blockaded by Tehran, causing instability in global energy supplies.

Trump said the United States would open the Gulf region and that other countries were ready to assist. However, he acknowledged that the task would not be easy, emphasizing that the reopening would happen soon. He did not provide details on how Washington plans to remove the blockade but made clear he would not accept the tolls imposed by Iran on the strait.

The statement comes amid complex negotiations in Islamabad, where key issues include Iran’s frozen assets and a Lebanon ceasefire, with the United Nations Secretary-General urging both sides to engage constructively.

Survivors of the deadliest Iranian attack on US forces since the start of the Iran war have publicly challenged the Pentagon’s version of events. The soldiers, whose unit was struck by a drone in Kuwait on March 1, said their position was dangerously exposed, contradicting official claims that the site was secure. The attack killed six US troops and injured more than 20 others.

Speaking to CBS News, several wounded soldiers described the attack and its aftermath, saying their unit was not adequately protected. One soldier said the Pentagon’s portrayal of a secure base was false, while another noted that their logistics unit had been moved into an area within range of Iranian drones and missiles. Survivors also reported failures in rescue operations, claiming they had to treat the wounded themselves and use civilian vehicles for evacuation.

Despite these accounts, Pentagon officials, including Assistant Secretary Sean Parnell, insisted that all possible safety measures were in place. The conflicting statements have raised questions about the credibility of Pentagon reports and prompted calls for further verification of US military information on the Iran war.

Israel and Lebanon are set to meet in Washington next Tuesday to discuss a possible ceasefire aimed at ending the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah. The meeting will be mediated by the United States, according to a statement from the office of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Representatives from both countries will convene at the U.S. Department of State to determine a date for announcing a ceasefire and initiating direct negotiations.

The arrangement for the talks followed a phone conversation between the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel to the United States and the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon. The discussions are part of broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The upcoming meeting signals a potential step toward renewed dialogue between the two nations, though the outcome of the talks remains uncertain.

Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has said that his country is prepared to do everything necessary and take as long as needed to help secure an agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their ongoing conflict. He described the fact that discussions are taking place as a major success.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Sheikh explained that bringing Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table was not the result of any “magic word” but rather a process requiring persistence, patience, and continuous effort from all sides. He noted that each of these elements had been part of intensive diplomatic efforts over the past several weeks.

According to Sheikh, all parties have responded to Pakistan’s efforts to ensure a ceasefire and set a timeline for talks with a constructive attitude.