Iran has called for a truce in Lebanon and the release of its frozen assets as diplomatic tensions deepen ahead of planned negotiations in Pakistan, even as the United States warned Tehran against attempting to “play” Washington in the talks.
US Vice President JD Vance said Iran would need to negotiate “in good faith,” warning that Washington would not tolerate bad-faith tactics ahead of discussions in Islamabad.
“If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive,” Vance told reporters before departing for Pakistan.
In response, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said two conditions must be met before negotiations can begin: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked financial assets, which he said had been previously agreed upon but not implemented.
The planned talks, expected to involve multiple regional and security issues, are set to address Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme and maritime trade routes, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump also weighed in, criticising Iran’s position and claiming it had “no cards” in the negotiations, while accusing Tehran of attempting to use international waterways for leverage.
Tensions remain high on the ground as violence continues in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes reportedly killed 13 State Security personnel in Nabatiyeh, according to local reports. The Israeli military said it had also intercepted rocket fire from Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon.
The ceasefire, agreed earlier this week, was intended to create space for diplomatic engagement aimed at ending months of conflict that has killed thousands and disrupted global supply chains.
However, implementation has been uneven, with both sides accusing each other of violations and continued hostilities.
In Lebanon, humanitarian concerns are also growing, with the World Food Programme warning of rising food insecurity due to disrupted supply chains and soaring prices.