Overview
- Pakistan has tightened security in Islamabad for direct U.S.–Iran negotiations, with Vice President J.D. Vance leading a team that includes Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Tehran’s attendance looks uncertain after its ambassador deleted a post about the delegation’s travel.
- Iran’s parliament speaker said Friday the talks will not proceed unless there is an effective Lebanon ceasefire and Iran’s frozen funds are released.
- Tehran has reapplied pressure at the Strait of Hormuz by reclosing the waterway, disrupting tanker traffic, laying mines, and seeking a per‑barrel transit fee, which raises costs and risk for global oil shipments.
- The White House says President Trump rejected Iran’s 10‑point plan, Vance says Tehran circulated three versions and claimed one looked AI‑written, and Trump warned U.S. strikes would resume if the Islamabad effort fails.
- Heavy Israeli strikes in Lebanon this week that killed large numbers of people have fueled Iran’s demand to cover Lebanon in any deal, and separate Israel–Lebanon talks in Washington next week are being discussed.