The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad only after receiving guarantees that Israeli attacks on Lebanon would be halted, reports the Wall Street Journal. The Iranian side was not prepared to enter negotiations without this condition being met.

Indirect talks between the American and Iranian delegations have officially begun, with US Vice President JD Vance leading the American team, while Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohamed Baqer Qalibaf heads the Iranian delegation.

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with "total destruction" if the peace talks in Pakistan fail to produce results. Meanwhile, the US continues deploying additional ground forces to the Middle East — between 1,500 and 2,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division are expected to arrive in the coming days.

"Iran has goodwill, but no trust in the US," Qalibaf stated before the start of the talks, emphasizing that "twice in less than a year, despite Iran's goodwill, they attacked us and committed numerous war crimes."

According to US intelligence assessments, Iran still possesses over 1,000 medium-range ballistic missiles, although more than half of its launch pads have been destroyed or disabled.

The atmosphere remains tense. Israel continues strikes on Lebanon, and Hezbollah retaliates toward Israeli territory. While diplomatic channels are opening, Washington maintains military pressure through troop deployments and rhetoric, creating "deep distrust" ahead of any potential dialogue.

Iran has been without global internet access for over 1,000 hours since the beginning of February, further complicating communication and public information.