Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad ahead of high stakes peace talks with the United States, demanding that Washington accept Tehran's preconditions before negotiations formally begin. He said Iran approached the talks with goodwill but without trust, and insisted that any agreement must recognize what he described as Iran's rights. Among Tehran's demands are a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.

Ghalibaf is leading a delegation that includes senior political, military and economic officials, including the foreign minister and central bank governor. The United States delegation, led by Vice President Vance, is also en route to Pakistan. Pakistan's prime minister described the meeting as a 'make or break' moment and said his government aims to facilitate a lasting resolution.

President Donald Trump struck a combative tone ahead of the talks, warning Iran against attempting to manipulate negotiations and reiterating that his primary demand is that Iran not obtain a nuclear weapon. He said American warships were being rearmed in case diplomacy fails and vowed to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, with or without Tehran's cooperation.