Iran Sets Preconditions, Casts Doubt on Peace Talks

A man stands near a damaged building at the site of an Israeli strike carried out on Wednesday, in Tallet El Khayat in Beirut, Lebanon, April 9, 2026.

Iran on Friday raised fresh conditions ahead of planned negotiations, insisting that its frozen assets be released and a ceasefire take hold in Lebanon before any talks can begin.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the terms had already been agreed with the United States, warning that discussions scheduled in Pakistan would not proceed unless they are met. There was no immediate response from Washington.

US Vice President JD Vance, who is set to lead the American delegation, left for Pakistan expressing cautious optimism. He, however, warned that any attempt by Tehran to delay or manipulate the process would be met with a firm response.

Iran has long struggled to access tens of billions of dollars held in foreign banks, largely tied to oil and gas revenues restricted under US sanctions on its financial and energy sectors.

The renewed demands come amid a fragile pause in hostilities. US President Donald Trump earlier announced a two-week ceasefire following weeks of escalating conflict. Despite that, tensions remain high, with continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon and unresolved disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.

While the truce has halted direct US and Israeli strikes on Iran, it has failed to ease disruptions in global energy supplies caused by the ongoing closure of the strategic waterway. At the same time, Israel has continued its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying those actions fall outside the scope of the ceasefire.

Fresh air strikes were reported across southern Lebanon on Friday, leaving more than a dozen people dead, including members of the country’s state security forces, according to local media.