Islamabad: U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about upcoming negotiations with Iran, cautioning Tehran against manipulation, while Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, insisted on a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets before discussions commence in Pakistan this weekend. According to Yonhap News Agency, tensions are evident as Washington and Tehran prepare for their first round of talks aimed at ending the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. These discussions are set to take place in Islamabad on Saturday, following a mutual agreement on a two-week ceasefire last Tuesday. Vice President Vance remarked to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland about the prospect of positive negotiations but warned that any attempts by Iran to deceive the U.S. would be met with a firm response. He emphasized President Donald Trump's clear guidelines for the U.S. negotiating team, though he did not detail these instructions. In a related development, President Trump , in a phone interview with the New York Post, indicated that the U.S. could resume military strikes against Iran should the peace talks fail. He spoke of a "reset" and the preparation of advanced weaponry, hinting at their potential use if a deal isn't reached. Trump also expressed skepticism about Iran's commitment to disarmament, citing inconsistencies between Iran's private assurances and public statements regarding nuclear enrichment. He further commented on social media about Iran's strategic use of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a temporary form of leverage. Meanwhile, Ghalibaf, Iran's parliamentary speaker, took to social media to outline prerequisites for the negotiations, insisting on a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets. These conditions, according to Ghalibaf, are essential before talks can proceed. As the negotiations approach, there are concerns about the fragile ceasefire, given Israel's ongoing strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran's traffic restrictio ns in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions are expected to cover complex issues, including Iran's 10-point proposal, which President Trump has referred to as a "workable basis" for a potential agreement. Iran's proposal reportedly includes maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawing U.S. troops from the Middle East, recognizing its right to nuclear enrichment, and lifting sanctions. The U.S. delegation will consist of Vice President Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, while Iran's team will feature Ghalibaf, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The negotiations have been organized as the Trump administration seeks to exit the conflict amid concerns about a prolonged war in the Middle East and its implications for oil prices and the global economy, particularly with the U.S. midterm elections approaching in November.
