Iran Sets Preconditions for Peace Talks Amid Regional Tensions

Iran's delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, arrived in Islamabad early Saturday, as reported by Iranian state TV. The team comprises security, political, military, economic, and legal experts. Negotiations are contingent upon the acceptance of Iran's preconditions by the opposing parties.

Qalibaf highlighted on social media that two previously agreed-upon points—a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets—remain unfulfilled. He stated, "These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin."

In related developments, Britain plans to convene a meeting next week with countries aiming to restore free movement through the Strait of Hormuz. A British official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the meeting will involve senior officials and emphasize opposition to tolls for passage through the waterway.

The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 357 people were killed and over 1,223 wounded in Israeli strikes on central Beirut and other areas on Wednesday, marking the deadliest day in over five weeks of renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The total death toll has reached 1,953, including more than 102 women, over 130 children, and at least 57 paramedics. Over 6,300 people have been wounded, and more than 1 million displaced by the conflict.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that delegations from Iran and the United States are arriving in Islamabad for talks aimed at ensuring durable peace in the region. In a televised address, Sharif described the current stage as a "make-or-break moment" and expressed gratitude to the leadership of Iran and the United States for agreeing to a ceasefire and holding peace talks at his request.

The Athens-based Marine Traffic reported that only 14 vessels, half of which were laden, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire was declared on April 8. Vessels exiting the Persian Gulf accounted for 70% of all crossings, with sanctioned or shadow-fleet-linked vessels making up nearly two-thirds of all crossings. Prior to the conflict, over 100 ships passed through the strait daily, many carrying oil to Asia.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for the European Union to terminate its association agreement with Israel over its military actions in the Middle East, citing violations of international law. Sánchez stated, "It’s clear that it is trampling on and violating many of the articles of that association agreement, especially those related to respect for international law and humanitarian law."

President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating, "The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!"

In the United States, consumer prices rose 3.3% in March from a year earlier, according to the Labor Department. The largest monthly jump in gas prices in six decades contributed to the sharp spike in inflation.

Iranian Ambassador Mir Massoud Hosseinian expressed caution ahead of the talks, stating, "We remain cautious, and our hands remain on the trigger because we do not trust them." He blamed the U.S. and Israel for reported ceasefire violations and indicated that Iran is prepared to defend itself should there not be a satisfactory outcome in the next two weeks.

Kuwait's army reported engaging with seven Iranian drones over the last 24 hours, targeting vital facilities affiliated with the National Guard. The attacks resulted in "significant material damage," with injuries reported in stable condition.

Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator, facilitating talks between Iran and the United States. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have been actively involved in bringing the parties to the negotiating table.

Security measures have been heightened in Islamabad, with commandos, police, and other personnel setting up barricades along routes expected to be used by U.S. and Iranian delegations. The talks are scheduled to begin Saturday, drawing global attention to efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

Vice President JD Vance, en route to Islamabad, warned Tehran not to "play" the U.S. in the upcoming negotiations. He stated, "If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they’re gonna try and play us, then they’re gonna find that the negotiating team is not that receptive."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Spain would be expelled from a U.S.-led coordination center managing humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing Spain's alleged anti-Israeli bias. Netanyahu stated, "Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack us. Spain has defamed our heroes, the soldiers of the IDF, the soldiers of the most moral army in the world."

The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes struck near a State Security agency office in Nabatieh, causing extensive damage and resulting in at least 13 State Security officers killed. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee claimed that Israel had hit more than 120 Hezbollah militant sites in the past 24 hours.

In Tehran, residents have welcomed the fragile ceasefire but remain apprehensive about the future. A university student, speaking anonymously, noted, "Everyone I’ve spoken with, it’s given them a new life."

The World Food Program reported that 874,000 people in Lebanon were facing "acute food insecurity" before the latest escalation. Despite risks, the WFP continues to send humanitarian convoys to southern Lebanon, providing emergency food and assistance to over 440,000 people since March 2.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military will continue strikes on Hezbollah while talks focus on disarming the group. Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem urged Lebanese officials to "stop offering free concessions" and emphasized that Hezbollah will not accept a return to the previous situation.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed frustration over rising energy bills due to global conflicts, stating, "We need energy independence."

The World Health Organization reported that Israeli forces had issued an evacuation order for Beirut's Jnah area, which includes major hospitals. After discussions, Israeli forces assured that these hospitals would not be attacked.

A top Iranian medical official reported that over 3,000 people have been killed in the conflict with Israel and the United States. The government has not provided a definitive death toll.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of observing humanitarian law, referencing a 2024 incident involving Israeli soldiers. His government is sending a special envoy to Iran to discuss citizen safety and the Strait of Hormuz situation.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong assured that the country will not restrict fuel exports from its refineries despite disruptions caused by the Iran war.

Security measures in Islamabad have been intensified ahead of the high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran, with roads nearly empty and checkpoints set up at major arteries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukrainian military personnel shot down Iranian-designed drones in multiple Middle Eastern countries during the Iran war, as part of efforts to help partners counter similar weapons used by Russia in Ukraine.

Asian stocks mostly rose, and oil prices increased on the fragile Iran war ceasefire and ahead of Iran-U.S. negotiations in Pakistan. Brent crude was 1% higher at $96.92 per barrel.

Multiple explosions were reported in Tehran and other parts of Iran, though the government did not acknowledge any attacks during that period.

Japan announced plans to release an additional 20 days' worth of oil reserves in May to address supply uncertainty due to the Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the release would start in early May, following an earlier release last month.