Published: 12:15 AM, 21 April 2026
Pakistan may sway Iran to attend Islamabad talks
A view of Iranian-flagged cargo ship MV Touska as the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer USS Spruance conducts its interception in a location given as the north Arabian Sea. Agency
Tehran is "positively reviewing" participation in potential peace talks with the United States, but no final decision has been made.
Pakistan is playing an active mediating role, working to secure Iran's participation in negotiations by ending the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
TRUMP OPEN TO MEETING IRANIAN LEADERS:
US President Donald Trump has said he is willing to meet senior Iranian leaders if a breakthrough is achieved in negotiations.
The US has said it will send a delegation to Pakistan headed by Vice-President JD Vance, but there's little clarity on the timing of any potential talks.
TIGHT SECURITY IN ISLAMABAD AS UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDS IRAN-US TALKS:
Security has been stepped up in Islamabad ahead of peace talks between the United States and Iran, despite Iran declaring not to participate.
Police, army and paramilitary forces have been deployed, with thousands of officers brought in from Punjab. Government offices have been shut and several universities have moved classes online.
Despite the preparations, uncertainty remains over whether the talks will go ahead.
Pakistan has made few public statements, and officials have offered little clarity behind the scenes.
During the previous round of talks eight days ago, Iran's participation remained uncertain until the last minute, raising questions over whether the current situation signals a similar delay or a possible breakdown in negotiations.
ISRAEL, LEBANON MAY HOLD SECOND ROUND OF TALKS IN WASHINGTON:
A second round of talks between Israel and Lebanon could take place on Thursday in Washington.
If confirmed, it would mark the first discussions between the two sides since a 10-day ceasefire came into effect.
LEBANESE RETURN CAUTIOUSLY TO DAMAGED SOUTHERN TOWNS:
Residents of southern Lebanon are returning to their homes and villages, though many are not staying overnight.
Residents say they are making small repairs and collecting belongings, but remain uncertain about the length of the ceasefire.
Search operations are continuing in several towns to locate and identify victims of air strikes carried out up until the ceasefire took effect.
LEBANON SAYS IT WAS 'DRAGGED' INTO WAR:
Lebanon's Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi says the country "was dragged into a war it did not choose".
He said the government is committed to regaining control over decisions of war and peace and to asserting its sovereignty across all Lebanese territory.
LEBANON SAYS ISRAEL TALKS SEPARATE FROM US-IRAN NEGOTIATIONS:
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said upcoming negotiations with Israel are separate from US-Iran peace talks and "any other negotiations".
In a statement on X, he said Lebanon will be represented by former ambassador to the United States Simon Karam at the talks.
Aoun said the objectives of the talks are to halt hostilities, end Israel's "occupation" of southern Lebanon and deploy the Lebanese Army up to the internationally recognised border.
>>Agency
