Iran Demands Lebanon Ceasefire and Asset Release Before U.S. Talks

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf has stated that a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's frozen assets are necessary conditions before commencing negotiations with the United States.

"Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations," Ghalibaf wrote on X.

This announcement comes as U.S. Vice President JD Vance leads a delegation to Islamabad for talks aimed at solidifying a two-week ceasefire into a permanent truce.

Vance expressed optimism about the negotiations but cautioned against any attempts to deceive the U.S. delegation.

"If they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive," he stated.

The U.S. delegation includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Senior Advisor Jared Kushner.

President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over Iran's continued restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage.

"There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait — They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

The outcome of the Islamabad talks remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm on their respective conditions.