Iran has arrived in Islamabad for high-stakes negotiations with the United States, but Tehran is setting tough preconditions before talks begin. Iran’s top negotiator warned there is “zero trust” in Washington, citing failed past agreements and demanding key concessions. A symbolic tribute to Minab strike victims also reached Islamabad, increasing ceasefire pressure ahead of the make-or-break meeting. Iran is demanding an extended ceasefire to Lebanon, a halt to Israeli operations against Hezbollah, and the release of billions in frozen assets.

US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Iran just ahead of high-stakes negotiations, signalling that the strategic Strait of Hormuz could reopen soon. Trump claimed the vital global shipping route would resume automatically and warned Tehran has limited leverage beyond the temporary disruption of international waterways. As US negotiators prepare to meet Iranian officials, Washington has also reloaded warships, raising the possibility of renewed strikes if talks collapse. Iran, meanwhile, is demanding sanctions relief, an end to Israeli operations in Lebanon, and the unfreezing of assets before negotiations proceed.