Iran says U.S. must release blocked assets before talks. Pakistan PM calls it ‘make or break.’

“Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations,” Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Friday on his X account.

“These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin,” said Ghalibaf who is expected to lead Iran’s negotiating team at Islamabad talks slated for Saturday.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202604096570

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ‌said ​late ⁠on ‌Friday that the US-Iran talks in ​Islamabad slated to ‌begin on Saturday were a make ‌or break to achieve a permanent ⁠ceasefire in the ‌weeks-long ​Middle East conflict.

Sharif thanked the leadership of Iran and the US for agreeing to a ceasefire and holding peace talks at his request, adding that his government would do its best to ensure the success of the peace process.

He also urged citizens to pray for the talks to succeed.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202604102740