An Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad to participate in discussions with United States officials focused on achieving a ceasefire. Iranian media reported that the delegation reached the Pakistani capital on Friday night. The group includes several senior figures such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Supreme National Defense Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, and former IRGC commander Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr. Several members of Iran’s parliament have also joined the delegation, according to the reports.

The talks are expected to address complex issues, including Iran’s frozen assets and the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. Ahead of the meeting, Tehran issued a firm message emphasizing its readiness to respond if provoked. The discussions are taking place amid heightened regional tensions and international calls for restraint from both Iran and the United States.

The outcome of the Islamabad talks could influence future diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington, particularly regarding regional stability and economic sanctions relief.

Delegations from the United States and Iran are meeting today, Saturday, in Islamabad to discuss steps toward a permanent end to the ongoing war. The Iranian delegation arrived Friday afternoon, while the US team was expected overnight. Despite Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon violating the ceasefire, Pakistan confirmed that the long-anticipated talks would proceed. The meeting is being held at the Serena Hotel near Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry under unprecedented security measures, with major roads closed and military personnel deployed across the city.

The US delegation includes Vice President JD Vance, adviser Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, while Iran’s team is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior officials are mediating. The discussions are expected to last several days and will be based on Iran’s ten-point proposal, which includes conditions for the Strait of Hormuz and ceasefire terms.

The talks come amid uncertainty as Israeli strikes continue in Lebanon, threatening the ceasefire. Both sides remain divided over Hormuz tolls and regional security, raising doubts about the meeting’s outcome.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned Israel’s approval of 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling the move a violation of international law. Israeli rights group Peace Now reported that the decision was made secretly in early April, and Israeli media confirmed the report. The Palestinian Presidency also denounced the plan as a flagrant breach of international law, while the Israeli government has not issued any comment.

In a statement, the OIC said Israel, as the occupying power, has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and that all measures to alter their geographic or demographic character are null and void. The organisation warned that the expansion of settlements, land confiscation, and settler violence threaten the two-state solution and the rights of Palestinians. Turkiye also criticised the decision, describing it as a serious violation of international law and UN resolutions.

According to Israeli media, the 34 settlements were approved during a recent security cabinet session, marking the largest number ever approved at once. Ten of the sites are existing outposts to be legalised, while 24 are new constructions yet to begin.

Expectations for the upcoming ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan are low, with even the possibility that the meeting may not occur. The discussions are set to proceed under Tehran’s 10-point proposal rather than US President Donald Trump’s 15-point plan, signaling that Iran currently holds the upper hand. The ceasefire allows Iran to retain control of the Strait of Hormuz and continue collecting transit fees, a concession that Washington appears to have accepted.

Iran’s government has portrayed the ceasefire as a victory, though internal voices warn it may have weakened deterrence by not securing a full end to hostilities. Tehran’s demands include recognition of its control over the strait, acceptance of uranium enrichment, lifting of all sanctions, withdrawal of US forces, and a ceasefire extending to Israel’s operations in Lebanon and Gaza. These terms are seen as difficult for Washington to accept in full.

Even if the talks fail, analysts suggest a fragile equilibrium could persist, with both sides avoiding a return to full-scale war. The United States may stay out of direct conflict while Iran maintains leverage over regional trade routes, creating a tense but stable status quo.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the upcoming Iran-United States talks in Islamabad, set to begin on Saturday, as a life-or-death struggle aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East. He expressed optimism that the discussions were moving in the right direction. Sharif confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance was en route to Islamabad and that two Iranian delegations had departed for Pakistan.

Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran would not begin talks with the United States until a ceasefire was reached in Lebanon and its frozen assets were released. Sharif noted that both sides were shaping narratives for their domestic audiences, adding that Iran was clearly unwilling to endanger Hezbollah.

The talks are drawing global attention as they are seen as a critical step toward easing regional tensions and possibly preventing further escalation if negotiations fail.

US President Donald Trump has warned that if upcoming talks with Iran in Pakistan fail to produce an agreement, the United States will launch a large-scale military attack on Iran. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said he has already ordered US warships to be equipped with the most advanced and powerful weapons. He described the current military readiness as more formidable than ever before and stated that this power would be used effectively if negotiations do not yield positive results.

Trump added that a 'reset' process is underway, with US forces stockpiling what he called the best ammunition in their history. He made it clear that if a respectful agreement with Tehran cannot be reached, the United States will not hesitate to choose a military path. The report cited Al Jazeera as its source.

The talks between Iran and the United States are scheduled to take place in Pakistan, drawing global attention as both sides face mounting pressure to avoid escalation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that the United States must honor its commitment to a ceasefire in Lebanon. He said the two-week truce between Iran and the US included assurances that Lebanon would be covered under the agreement. Araghchi made the remarks during a phone conversation with Iran’s envoy to Lebanon on Friday.

Araghchi condemned Israeli attacks in Lebanon, emphasizing that such actions must stop under the terms of the ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that Iran would not begin any talks with the United States until the ceasefire in Lebanon is implemented and Iran’s frozen assets are released.

The statements reflect Tehran’s firm stance on linking regional stability and diplomatic engagement with Washington to the enforcement of the Lebanon ceasefire and the resolution of financial restrictions.

Top leaders from the United States and Iran are set to meet in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, 2026, for diplomatic talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan is hosting and mediating the meeting, which is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the region’s future. The White House confirmed that discussions will begin in the morning, focusing primarily on achieving a ceasefire.

The US delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, joined by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s team will be headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may hold separate meetings with both sides beforehand, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to act as mediator.

Security in Islamabad has been tightened significantly, with major roads closed and media access restricted. The talks will center on Iran’s ten-point proposal and a possible fifteen-point US counterproposal addressing military presence, nuclear programs, and regional stability.

United States Vice President JD Vance departed for Pakistan on Friday to lead negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. Speaking to reporters before boarding his flight to Islamabad, Vance said he expected the talks to be “positive” and confirmed that President Donald Trump had given him clear guidelines for the meeting. The discussions are scheduled for Saturday, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expected to head the Iranian delegation.

The decision to have Vance lead the US delegation was seen by some observers as a response to Iran’s preference for dealing with him rather than with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff or Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who had previously led indirect nuclear negotiations. The talks come after a temporary ceasefire in a conflict that escalated when Israel launched a 12-day war on Iran in June 2025, followed by renewed fighting in February. Despite the pause, both sides have issued conflicting statements about the ceasefire’s scope and terms.

Uncertainty remains over key issues such as control of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and whether Israel’s operations in Lebanon are covered by the ceasefire. Analysts note deep mistrust between the parties but suggest that both sides may see negotiations as a less costly alternative to continued conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Spain has been removed from the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, which oversees the Gaza ceasefire. In a video statement posted on X, Netanyahu accused Spain of waging a diplomatic war against Israel and defaming Israeli soldiers. He said Israel would not remain silent against those who attack it. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed the criticism, accusing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of spreading false accusations and claiming Spain could no longer play a constructive role in implementing the U.S. peace plan.

Relations between Israel and Spain have sharply deteriorated since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023. Spain’s recognition of the state of Palestine and its condemnation of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians further strained ties. The Spanish government also opposed the U.S.-Israel war on Iran that began on February 28, closing its airspace to U.S. aircraft involved in the conflict.

The CMCC, established by the United States as part of Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, coordinates ceasefire monitoring and humanitarian aid. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks on Gaza and restrictions on aid deliveries continue.

Thousands of Israeli settlers gathered at al-Auja spring in the occupied West Bank during the Jewish festival of Passover, celebrating in areas from which Palestinian families had recently been forcibly displaced. Videos circulating online showed settlers picnicking and swimming in natural pools once used by Palestinians, with participants praising the so-called hilltop youth—young settlers accused of violent campaigns that have driven out dozens of Palestinian communities since 2023. The United Nations reported that 1,727 Palestinians from 36 West Bank communities were displaced in the first three months of 2026 due to settler violence and access restrictions.

Allegra Pacheco of the West Bank Protection Consortium described the videos as potential evidence of settlers celebrating the intentional use of violence to forcibly displace Palestinians, calling it a serious violation of international law. Displaced residents such as Haitham al-Zayed and Muhammad recounted systematic attacks, livestock theft, and home raids that forced their families to flee. Settler groups have reportedly expanded their activities into areas under partial or full Palestinian administrative control, reflecting what observers described as a hardening of settler ideology.

The UN and humanitarian organizations warned that the escalation of settler violence, including killings and public incitement, signals growing impunity and raises concerns of further mass displacement across the West Bank.

The Pakistan Navy rescued 18 sailors, including Bangladeshi nationals, from a commercial vessel named 'Gold Autumn' in the northern Arabian Sea. The operation took place after the ship sent a distress signal, prompting a rapid response from naval forces. The rescued crew members were transported to Karachi for advanced medical treatment, according to a statement released on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The Pakistani military confirmed that the rescued sailors included citizens of Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The statement added that all individuals were brought safely to Karachi, where they are receiving necessary medical care and will later be repatriated to their respective countries.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the reason behind the distress signal or the circumstances that led to the emergency call from the 'Gold Autumn'.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed deep concern over the violation of the ceasefire in Lebanon during a telephone conversation with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. The discussion focused on the regional situation and the recent escalation of tensions.

The statement said the Dutch foreign minister praised Pakistan’s role in promoting the ceasefire and expressed support for continued diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace. Both sides voiced concern over the serious breach of the ceasefire in Lebanon and emphasized the need for its full implementation to ensure sustainable peace.

In addition, Pakistan and the Netherlands reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in trade, economic cooperation, and investment, signaling an interest in expanding collaboration beyond regional security issues.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon are having a catastrophic impact on children. According to the agency, Tuesday’s bombing killed 33 children and injured 153 others within minutes. The latest assault adds to a shocking toll of nearly 600 children killed or wounded since March 2, according to UNICEF figures.

The organization reported that more than one million people across Lebanon have been displaced, including an estimated 390,000 children, many of whom have been forced to move multiple times. Children are being pulled from rubble, with many missing or separated from their families. UNICEF said the loss of loved ones and homes has left many suffering severe psychological trauma.

The agency emphasized that international humanitarian law clearly requires the protection of all civilians, including children, at all times.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that he spent six consecutive weeks inside a command center during the recent conflict involving Iran and Israel. Following the ceasefire, Huckabee shared his experience through a social media post, describing how he lived in a single room with his two dogs, slept on a camp bed, cooked using a microwave and hot plate, and had very limited movement. He expressed relief at returning to his residence after the ceasefire.

Huckabee, known as a staunch supporter of Israel, has previously identified himself as a Christian Zionist. Earlier this year, in a February interview, he stirred controversy by saying that, according to his interpretation of the Bible, he would not object if Israel occupied most of the Middle East. His remarks drew widespread criticism from the international community.

The ambassador’s account highlights the intensity of the recent conflict and the personal challenges faced by diplomats stationed in high-risk regions.