Direct Iran-US talks begin after Beirut bombing halt
ALBAWABA—After announcing an end to Israeli bombings on Beirut, Iranian officials declared on Saturday that direct trilateral talks with the United States had begun in Islamabad.
Iran's Government Media Council Secretary, Mohammad Golzarai, stated that the negotiations didn't begin until Tehran confirmed, via its ambassador in Lebanon, that the attacks on the country's capital had ceased. He said that in addition to attempts to ease the release of Iranian assets that had been frozen, warnings had been made on alleged ceasefire violations.
Technical-level talks between delegates are already in progress, according to Golzarai, indicating a more somber tone in the negotiations. Prior to the official sessions, Iranian committees held several coordination meetings earlier in the day and achieved complete synchronization.
Israel Indicates a Decrease in Strikes
The Israeli military has been told to reduce operations in Lebanon, especially in Beirut, for the next few days, according to a security source quoted by the state media.
Conflict Around the Strait of Hormuz
According to the Financial Times, talks over the Strait of Hormuz have come to a standstill.
Sources claim that there are still differences of opinion over the key waterway's future. Iran is rejecting suggestions for cooperative international oversight while insisting on retaining control and imposing transit fees for ships.
Continued Discussions in Islamabad
The goal of the trilateral talks between Washington and Tehran, which are being mediated by Pakistan, is to come to a more comprehensive resolution to the crisis.
Iranian official television reports that Islamabad has already hosted two rounds of negotiations, with a third meeting expected later on Saturday.
Senior officials such as U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir attend the discussions.
