New conditions from Iran and warnings from U.S. officials have cast uncertainty over upcoming ceasefire negotiations in Pakistan, as Tehran calls for a truce in Lebanon and the release of its frozen assets, while Washington cautions against any attempt to undermine the planned talks.
U.S. Vice President, JD Vance, cautioned Iran not to “play” Washington, saying the United States remains open to dialogue but would not tolerate bad-faith engagement ahead of the Islamabad discussions.
Vance told reporters before departing Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for Islamabad that, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand.
“But if they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive”.
Shortly after, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, outlined conditions for negotiations, insisting that a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iranian frozen assets must be implemented before talks begin.
He said both measures had been previously agreed upon by the parties but were yet to be fully enforced.
The planned talks in Islamabad are expected to address several sensitive issues, including Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme and the free flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
Only a small number of vessels have crossed since the truce was announced earlier this week, despite the Strait of Hormuz normally carrying a fifth of the world’s oil, along with vast quantities of natural gas and fertiliser, in peacetime.
The two-week ceasefire was agreed to allow time for negotiations aimed at ending a conflict that has already killed thousands and plunged the global economy into turmoil.
Since the ceasefire came into effect, U.S. President, Donald Trump, has criticised Iran’s handling of the strategic waterway, which was expected to reopen, while Tehran has condemned Israeli strikes in Lebanon, insisting the agreement also covers the conflict.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iran has “no cards” in the negotiations and accused it of using international waterways for leverage.
Although Pakistan had indicated the talks would begin on Friday, Vance is not expected to arrive until Saturday.
Security has been tightened in Islamabad, with routes leading to the expected venue at the Serena Hotel blocked, as preparations continue for the high-level discussions.
