- Vance said the United States is open to dialogue if Iran engages sincerely
- He noted that both measures had already been agreed upon in principle but have yet to be implemented
- Discussions expected in Islamabad are set to address sensitive issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme
Iran on Friday called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and the unfreezing of its financial assets, while US Vice President JD Vance cautioned Tehran against attempting to outmaneuver Washington, raising uncertainty over planned peace talks in Pakistan.
Although a temporary truce has been reached, significant differences remain over how to turn it into a lasting agreement
Speaking before departing for Islamabad, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Vance said the United States is open to dialogue if Iran engages sincerely, but warned that any attempt to manipulate negotiations would be met with resistance.
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Shortly after, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, outlined conditions he said must be met before talks can proceed. These include enforcing a ceasefire in Lebanon and releasing Iranian funds that have been frozen abroad.
He noted that both measures had already been agreed upon in principle but have yet to be implemented.
Discussions expected in Islamabad are set to address sensitive issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme and ensuring uninterrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. US President Donald Trump has criticised Iran’s actions regarding the waterway, accusing it of leveraging its position for short-term advantage.
Meanwhile, Tehran has condemned ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon, arguing they violate the truce.
Although Pakistan initially indicated the talks would begin on Friday, Vance is not expected to arrive until Saturday. Security has been tightened in Islamabad, particularly around the Serena Hotel, where the negotiations are anticipated to take place.
Skepticism persists among some Iranians about the chances of success. Residents in Tehran expressed doubts, with one describing Trump’s statements as unhelpful and questioning the intentions behind the negotiations.
The fragile ceasefire, intended to create space for diplomacy after weeks of deadly conflict, has not fully halted violence. Israeli airstrikes and rocket fire involving Iran-backed Hezbollah have continued, highlighting the volatility of the situation.
Recent clashes have caused heavy casualties, including a deadly Israeli strike in southern Lebanon. Earlier in the week, large-scale attacks resulted in hundreds of deaths, intensifying international pressure to prevent further escalation.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with separate discussions expected to address the Lebanon front.
Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Programme has warned that the conflict is worsening food insecurity in Lebanon, with rising prices and disrupted supply chains adding to the humanitarian strain.
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