Iran refuses in-person meeting with US; talks via Pakistan
Hezbollah dismisses Lebanon ceasefire extension
"It is essential to point out that the ceasefire is meaningless in light of Israel's insistence on hostile acts, including assassinations, shelling, and gunfire" and its demolition of villages and towns in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad said in response to the extension of the ceasefire.
Continued hostilities despite ceasefire in Lebanon
On Thursday, Israel and Lebanon extended a separate ceasefire for three weeks at a White House meeting brokered by Trump.
The war in Lebanon, which Israel invaded last month to root out Iran's Hezbollah allies after the group fired across the border, has run in parallel with the wider Iran war, and Tehran says a ceasefire there is a precondition for talks.
While the ceasefire that came into force on April 16 has led to a significant reduction in hostilities, Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade blows in southern Lebanon, where Israel has kept soldiers in a self-declared "buffer zone".
Israel's military said it had killed six armed Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon on Friday.
Qatar emir, Trump discuss ceasefire
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed developments in the Washington-Tehran ceasefire agreement in a phone call with Trump, the Qatari state news agency reported on Friday.
He added that Qatar would continue coordinating with partners to support mediation efforts led by Pakistan.
'Still have an open window to choose wisely'
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told a briefing earlier on Friday that Iran had a chance to make a "good deal" with the United States.
"Iran knows that they still have an open window to choose wisely," he said. "All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways."
Iran's tour for talks on war, diplomacy
Araghchi wrote on X that he was visiting Pakistan, Oman and Russia to coordinate with partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.
The tour will include consultations on the latest efforts to end the war, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson later told state media.
In pictures: Aragchi arrives in Islamabad for round 2 of US talks
Iran's Aragchi in talks with Pakistan's FM
Pakistan's foreign ministry confirmed Araghchi's arrival in Islamabad, where a heavy military and paramilitary presence was visible across the central parts of the city.
Aragchi went straight into a meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Serena Hotel, according to Reuters, where the first round of talks with the US was held, two government sources said.
Progress from Iran
US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt struck an upbeat tone, saying the US had seen some progress from the Iranian side in recent days and hoped more would come this weekend.
Who are the delegations in Islamabad
Iran's delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi in Islamabad.
Speaking before Iran said it was not planning any direct talks with the US, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner would leave for Pakistan on Saturday morning for talks with Aragchi.
Leavitt also said that US vice president JD Vance is ready to take part in negotiations in Islamabad as well.
When asked who the US was negotiating with, Trump said: "I don't want to say that, but we're dealing with the people that are in charge now."
No meeting with US planned
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said on X that Iranian officials did not plan to meet with US representatives.
Iran's concerns would be conveyed to Pakistan, the spokesperson confirmed.
Day 18 of ceasefire
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Friday to discuss proposals for restarting peace talks with the US.
US President Donald Trump told Reuters on Friday that Iran plans to make an offer aimed at satisfying US demands but said he did not yet know what the offer entailed.
