Fragile ceasefire diplomacy in the Middle East appeared uncertain after Iran's ambassador to Pakistan briefly announced that a negotiating delegation would arrive in Islamabad for serious talks, only to delete the message minutes later. An embassy official said the announcement had been posted prematurely, declining to clarify whether the delegation would proceed as planned. The episode raised questions about coordination ahead of anticipated negotiations with the United States.
Despite the confusion, both Washington and Tehran have confirmed participation in Pakistan-brokered talks aimed at reinforcing a two-week ceasefire. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited both sides to seek a conclusive agreement, and the White House indicated that Vice President JD Vance would lead the American delegation. Authorities in Islamabad have imposed heightened security measures, closed schools and offices, and restricted movement across the capital in preparation.
Meanwhile, violence on the ground threatens to undermine diplomatic efforts. Israel has intensified strikes in Lebanon, stating that operations against Hezbollah fall outside the truce with Iran. Lebanese officials reported heavy casualties, while Hezbollah claimed retaliatory rocket fire into northern Israel. The escalation has drawn strong criticism from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.



