The United States has dispatched a negotiating team, headed by Vice President JD Vance, to Pakistan for crucial talks with Iran. These discussions follow a temporary ceasefire agreement. The White House confirmed the delegation's departure on Wednesday, with the initial round of negotiations scheduled for Saturday.
Given the loss of several senior political figures in Iran due to the conflict, the Iranian delegation is expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guards commander, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. World financial markets showed positive movement after President Trump announced the agreement, which averted a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. However, despite a pause in attacks between the U.S. and Iran, regional tensions remain high as Israel has escalated its strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire did not extend to Hezbollah, and Israel would continue its operations. He emphasized Israel's readiness to resume military action if necessary. Iran's Tasnim news agency cited a source indicating potential withdrawal from the ceasefire if attacks on Lebanon persist. Lebanon's civil defense reported significant casualties from Israeli strikes.