US Air Force Jet Approaches Pakistan's Nur Khan Base Ahead Of Talks

A US Air Force transport aircraft with "Charleston" written on its tail was seen approaching the Nur Khan base as Pakistan on Friday as Islamabad prepares to host peace talks between Washington and Tehran.

Uncertainty shrouds the talks in Pakistan between the United States and Iran, with no announcement yet on the arrival of negotiators and both sides accusing the other of failing to properly implement a fragile ceasefire. While US President Donald Trump has voiced displeasure at Iran's handling of the Strait of Hormuz, which was meant to be reopened under the deal, Tehran has reacted angrily to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, insisting that it too falls under the agreement. "The holding of talks to end the war is dependent on the US adhering to its ceasefire commitments on all fronts, especially in Lebanon," said Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman.

US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American team, joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner. Iran has not officially announced the composition of its delegation, per AFP. Tehran's ambassador to Pakistan on Thursday deleted a social media post saying an Iranian delegation would arrive in the country later that day.

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Fresh fractures in the mediation process emerged when Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif joined in the criticism of Israel's strikes on Lebanon, calling the country a "cancerous state" and "a curse for humanity" on Thursday evening, in a post taken down hours later.

The Israeli prime minister's office called the remarks outrageous, saying: "This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace."

Pakistan does not formally recognise Israel - a fact that could complicate its role as mediator - and has insisted the ceasefire includes Lebanon.

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Islamabad, nevertheless, remains prepared for the high-stakes talks, which reports say will cover several sensitive points, including Iran's nuclear enrichment and the free flow of trade through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

The government has kept its cards close to its chest without confirming the venue, but the Serena Hotel -- located next to the foreign ministry in the capital's high-security Red Zone -- asked its guests to clear out on Wednesday.

The same day authorities in the capital announced a two-day public holiday on Thursday and Friday. The streets of Islamabad are flooded with armed security personnel in military fatigues, traffic diversions and police checkpoints. The capital, already a quiet city, was even quieter on Friday.

Washington's reported 15-point proposal centres on Iran's enriched uranium and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has countered with a 10-point plan demanding control over the strait, a toll for vessels crossing the strait, an end to all regional military operations and the lifting of all sanctions.