Iranian delegation of 70 reaches Pakistan, sets conditions for further talks

Tehran/Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): A high-level Iranian delegation comprising around 70 members has arrived in Pakistan ahead of possible peace talks with the United States. The delegation is being led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. It includes senior political, military and economic officials along with experts in security, technology and finance.

The visit is being seen as an important diplomatic step amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the US. However, Iran has made its position clear that further talks will move forward only if its conditions are accepted by Washington. These conditions are believed to be linked to regional security concerns and economic sanctions indicating that Tehran continues to maintain a firm stance despite engaging in dialogue. Pakistan is hosting the proposed talks at a time when a fragile ceasefire and mutual distrust still persist.

Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel are also set to hold their first meeting at the US State Department to discuss a ceasefire and formal negotiations. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described hosting the talks as a matter of pride for the country and the wider Muslim world. He also thanked both nations for agreeing to ceasefire efforts. Ahead of the talks, Pakistan announced a reduction in fuel prices with diesel rates significantly cut and petrol prices lowered to provide relief to the public.