US-Iran ceasefire talks begin in Pakistan

The United States and Iran have begun ceasefire talks mediated by Pakistan and held in Islamabad.

The negotiations are the highest-level talks between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

As diplomatic trust between the US and Iran continues to deteriorate, Pakistan has been trying to facilitate an end to the six-week war.

An Iranian government representative said that by sending a delegation to Pakistan, Iran is showing its commitment to negotiating with the US, still warning that their “fingers remain on the trigger.”

“We believe in dialogue and are rational, but we do not trust the United States,” she said.

US Vice President JD Vance is leading the US delegation, saying he expects “positive” results.

“If they’re going to try to play us, they’re going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive,” said Vance.

Previously a vocal opponent of US involvement in wars in the Middle East, Vance has faced criticism for failing to take a clear stance against the war. 

Against the backdrop of negotiations, numerous Israeli airstrikes have been reported across southern Lebanon, killing around 13 people, including a paramedic.

The death toll in Lebanon has now reached 1,953 with another 6,303 people injured. 

Next week, Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are expected to attend ceasefire talks in Washington, with Lebanon expressing its support of the ongoing talks in Pakistan.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said it is maintaining communication with Lebanese authorities to ensure ceasefire obligations are kept on all fronts.