Iran Sets Tough Pre-Conditions for Islamabad Talks; JD Vance Departs for High-Stakes Negotiations

Islamabad: Hours before crucial US-Iran talks are set to begin in Islamabad today, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf has hardened Tehran's position, declaring that Iran will not enter negotiations without a prior commitment to an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and the return of Iranian assets frozen by the United States.

Qalibaf laid out Iran's demands in an X post, making clear that favourable decisions on both conditions must be secured before talks can commence — not merely promised as part of any eventual agreement. The two core demands are an immediate restoration of peace in Lebanon as a prerequisite for broader regional de-escalation, and the release of Iranian foreign assets currently blocked under American instruction.

The hardening of Iran's stance comes as US Vice President JD Vance departed Washington for Islamabad, stating that he is travelling with clear and specific guidance from President Donald Trump. The high-level meeting is being hosted by Pakistan after 40 days of war in the region.

A successful outcome in Islamabad is seen as capable of opening the path to a broader ceasefire across West Asia. However, the international community has expressed growing frustration over continued attacks in Lebanon even after the ceasefire announcement — conduct widely attributed to the US-Israel alliance — which has further complicated the diplomatic atmosphere ahead of today's talks.