Uncertainty Looms as Iranian Delegation Arrives in Pakistan for Peace Talks with U.S.

ISLAMABAD. An Iranian delegation arrived in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Friday for peace talks between the United States and Iran. However, doubts about the success of the negotiations have emerged at the last minute after Iran insisted that its preconditions must be met before talks can begin.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on the social media platform 'X' that the U.S. had previously agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets and implement a ceasefire in Lebanon, clarifying that talks would not proceed until these commitments are fulfilled.

The approximately 70-member Iranian delegation, led by Speaker Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has reached Islamabad. According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, the team includes technical experts from economic, security, and political sectors, as well as media personnel.

Upon arrival, Ghalibaf remarked that while Iran is positive about the talks, it has no trust in the U.S. He asserted that an agreement would only be reached if the U.S. presents a genuine proposal that ensures Iran's rights.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump made sharp comments on social media, stating that the Iranians are only alive to negotiate. Trump wrote, 'They do not understand that they have no other option but to blackmail the world for a short time using international waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate.'

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday following a six-week war. This ceasefire was implemented just hours after Trump threatened to wipe Iran's existence off the map.

With the ceasefire, airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran have ceased. However, Iran has not lifted its blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, causing the largest crisis in global energy supply to date. On the other hand, the conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has not stopped.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is set to lead the negotiations, expressed hope for a positive outcome while departing for Pakistan but warned that the U.S. team would take a firm stance if Iran attempts any deception. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in an address to the nation on Friday night, described these talks as a critical and difficult 'make or break' phase.

Meanwhile, talks between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors are scheduled to take place in Washington. However, conflicting statements regarding the agenda have emerged from both sides. Lebanon has stated that these talks are moving toward declaring a ceasefire and initiating bilateral negotiations under U.S. mediation.

Before the talks, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a stern message. Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since succeeding his father—who was killed on the first day of the war—demanded on Thursday that the U.S. must compensate for all damages caused by the war. He warned that he would not leave the criminals who attacked his country unpunished.

However, Israel has rejected a ceasefire with Hezbollah, calling this only the beginning of formal peace talks. The U.S. and Israel have clarified that they do not consider the operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon to be part of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

Within hours of the ceasefire announcement, a heavy Israeli attack resulted in over 350 deaths in Lebanon. According to Lebanese officials, at least 1,953 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since March 2.

Before the talks, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a stern message. Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since succeeding his father—who was killed on the first day of the war—demanded on Thursday that the U.S. must compensate for all damages caused by the war. He warned that he would not leave the criminals who attacked his country unpunished.

Although Trump claimed victory in the war and stated that he had weakened Iran's military capabilities, his initial goals have not been fully achieved. Trump's plan to destroy Iran's nuclear program and facilitate a regime change has not succeeded.

Iran still possesses missiles and drones capable of striking its neighbors, as well as a stockpile of over 400 kg of uranium, enough to build bombs. Despite facing significant public outrage and external attacks, the Iranian regime has not had to face any organized opposition.

In this round of talks, Iran is preparing to set major conditions, such as the lifting of years of sanctions to boost its struggling economy and the maintenance of its full rights over the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say that Iran's plan to collect transit fees in the Hormuz waterway could bring a major shift in regional power balance. While Iranian ships are currently moving through the waterway without obstruction, ships from other countries remain blocked.

This disruption in energy supply has increased inflation worldwide and slowed down the global economy. Even if the talks are successful and the waterway is opened, the economic impact is expected to last for months. According to U.S. data released on Friday, consumer prices rose by 0.9 percent in March alone, which is a direct effect of the war. This inflation increase is the highest since 2022.