Iran says participation in talks dependent Israel's end to strikes on ally Lebanon...

Pakistan was set to host U.S. and Iranian delegations for high-stakes talks on Friday, though Tehran’s participation remained uncertain after Israeli strikes on Lebanon threatened a fragile ceasefire.

The negotiations in Islamabad are expected to address sensitive issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.

Iran signalled its attendance would depend on an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

“The holding of talks to end the war is dependent on the U.S. adhering to its ceasefire commitments on all fronts, especially in Lebanon,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.

Pakistan pressed ahead with preparations, tightening security and clearing a luxury hotel designated for delegates, even as uncertainty lingered over Iran’s participation.

The talks come amid mounting concern that escalating violence could derail a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran agreed to facilitate negotiations.

Israel’s latest strikes on Lebanon, its heaviest since Hezbollah joined the conflict in early March, have rattled the truce less than 48 hours after it took effect.

Iranian officials said the attacks had rendered the Pakistan talks “meaningless,” insisting Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire framework.

Meanwhile, the United States said it would host separate talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington next week, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a broader regional escalation.

Pakistan, which does not formally recognise Israel, has maintained that Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire, a position disputed by Israel.

Despite tensions, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had not launched any attacks during the ceasefire period, signalling tentative adherence to the truce.

However, violence continued overnight, with air raid sirens reported in Tel Aviv and Hezbollah claiming rocket and drone strikes against Israeli targets.

The United States delegation to Islamabad is expected to be led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner.

Fresh diplomatic strains also emerged after Pakistan’s defence minister briefly posted a strongly worded criticism of Israel’s actions before deleting it, drawing a sharp rebuke from Israeli officials.

With the ceasefire under pressure, world leaders have warned that continued hostilities risk undermining broader peace efforts in the region.