Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Apr 10: Iran on Friday raised fresh conditions ahead of crucial peace talks in Pakistan, insisting that blocked assets be released and a ceasefire in Lebanon be fully enforced before negotiations begin.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the terms had already been discussed with the United States, warning that talks would not proceed unless they were met. The stance was echoed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who also demanded an end to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.

There was no immediate response from the White House. However, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that American warships were ready to resume strikes if negotiations fail, adding that the outcome would be clear within 24 hours. Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the U.S. delegation, expressed cautious optimism but warned against any attempt by Iran to derail the process.

The tensions come despite a recently announced two-week ceasefire following weeks of conflict. While the truce halted U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, hostilities have continued in Lebanon, with Israel maintaining that operations against Hezbollah are not part of the agreement.

According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli strikes have killed over 1,800 people since early March, including more than 300 in a single wave of attacks following the ceasefire announcement. A strike in Nabatieh reportedly killed 13 security personnel, further escalating tensions.

Iran has also been pushing for the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held abroad due to U.S. sanctions. Its leadership is demanding broader concessions, including easing of sanctions and greater control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.

Meanwhile, the disruption in the strait has severely impacted global energy supplies, driving inflation and raising concerns about prolonged economic instability. Despite the ceasefire, uncertainty continues to cloud the peace process, with both sides holding firm on key demands.