“Death to America” cries & dies when America bombs the IRGC. And the Paki defence minister goes apeshit over Israel. Now this guy is supposed to be a neutral arbiter of peace.
Vance in Pakistan to lead US-Iran ceasefire talks; Israel bombs Lebanon
- US Vice President J D Vance has arrived in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad to lead the ceasefire negotiations, the highest-level talks with Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Before departure, he said: “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend an open hand.”
- High-profile Iranian officials have also arrived in Islamabad for the ceasefire talks with the US, including Tehran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Who would accept this guy as an honest broker?
Israel rejects ceasefire with Hezbollah ahead of Lebanon talks
Israel says it will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah when it meets Lebanese diplomats for talks in Washington next week – as Israeli attacks on Lebanon go on.
Read the full report here.
Ask Not for Whom the Hormuz Tolls
President Trump on Thursday warned Iran that it should not charge a toll for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which seemed to contradict what he said to ABC’s Jonathan Karl earlier in the week. Maybe he was only joking when he said he was thinking of making the toll a “joint venture” with Iran and called it a “beautiful thing.” That might not seem like something you would joke about, but would you stand next to the Easter Bunny while making a speech about the war?
Main talking points at ceasefire talks in Pakistan
Here are the main issues the two sides are expected to discuss.
Tehran is insisting that formal talks can only begin after Washington gives commitments on a ceasefire in Lebanon and lifting sanctions on Iran.
- Iran wants a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks have killed nearly 2,000 people since the start of fighting in March. Israel and the US have said Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire – Tehran insists it is.
- Iran wants the US to unblock Iranian assets and end sanctions that have crippled its economy for years. Washington has indicated that it is open to significant sanctions relief, but only in exchange for Iranian concessions on its nuclear and missile development.
- Iran wants acknowledgement of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, where it aims to collect transit fees and control access. The US wants it opened for oil tankers and other vessels without any limitations, including tolls on shipping.
- Iran is expected to demand compensation for all damage during the six-week war. The US has not commented on reparations.
- Israel and the US both want Iran’s missile capabilities to be dramatically curtailed. Tehran says its missile arsenal is non-negotiable.
- Iran wants the withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, cessation of war on all fronts and a commitment to non-aggression. Trump has vowed to retain military assets in the Middle East until a peace deal is reached. He’s warned of a major escalation in fighting if Iran fails to comply.