THE FUSE

(The Post News)- A United States delegations led by Vice President JD Vance left for Islamabad on Friday for talks with Iran. This comes as both countries accuse each other of breaking promises linked to a temporary ceasefire.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the ceasefire must also include stopping Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon. They also want Iranian money frozen by sanctions to be released.

It is still not clear if these demands will stop the talks planned for Saturday. This meeting will be the highest-level meeting between the U.S. and Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which started many years of conflict between the two countries.

As Vance travelled with Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, Islamabad was placed under heavy security. Thousands of soldiers and paramilitary forces were on the streets. Pakistan hopes to show it can help bring peace and also show that it is stable.

Iran Still Strong Enough to Fight

Even though Iran has been badly affected by the war that started in late February, it can still attack nearby countries and disturb ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This is despite claims by Trump that the U.S. has already won.

War Affecting the Global Economy

The war has caused major problems for oil supply around the world. This has raised fears about rising prices, food shortages, and even a global recession.

Ceasefire Confusion and Pressure on Israel

Tehran and mediator Pakistan said they believed the temporary ceasefire would also cover Israel’s war in Lebanon. However, Israel at first refused to stop its offensive and carried out a series of strikes on Wednesday that killed more than 250 people.

In a phone call on Thursday, Trump urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back attacks on Hezbollah, according to a source familiar with the discussion. Netanyahu later agreed to hold talks, which are scheduled to take place in Washington next week.

Iran and the U.S. have very different ideas for the deal. Trump said Iran’s plan would guide the talks, but Iran’s 10-point plan is very different from the U.S.’s earlier 15-point plan.

Iran wants big changes, including ending sanctions and being given control over the Strait of Hormuz, where it plans to charge fees and control ships. This would change power in the region.

The U.S, however, wants Iran to give up its enriched uranium, stop its nuclear program, give up missiles, and stop supporting its allies. The U.S. also wants Iran to release detained Americans, including Kamran Hekmati and Reza Valizadeh.

Former U.S. diplomat Barbara Leaf, who worked under Joe Biden, warned that there is a high risk the conflict could get worse again. She added that the Trump administration knows people in the U.S. are feeling pressure because of rising fuel prices and energy problems.