In an interview with NBC, Donald Trump said deal with Iran was within reach as a diplomatic delegation led by Vice President JD Vance prepared to head to Pakistan for high-stakes talks aimed at ending the nearly six-week conflict.

Iran’s leaders “talk much differently when you’re at a meeting than they do to the press. They’re much more reasonable,” Donald Trump said in a phone interview. “They’re agreeing to all the things that they have to agree to. Remember, they’ve been conquered. They have no military.”

“If they don’t make a deal, it’s going to be very painful,” Trump added.

Islamabad talks: US-Iran ceasefire negotiations LIVE updates – 10 April, 2026

In a phone call Wednesday, Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pull back on the strikes to help ensure the success of the upcoming negotiations, two senior administration officials told NBC News. Trump confirmed that conversation in his interview with NBC News on Thursday, saying the Israelis were “scaling back” operations in Lebanon.

“I spoke with Bibi and he’s going to low-key it. I just think we have to be sort of a little more low-key,” Trump said. Vance, speaking to reporters in Hungary on Wednesday, used similar rhetoric, saying the Israelis may “check themselves a little bit” in the assault on Lebanon.

Hours before the two-week ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, mediation efforts to ​end the conflict appeared to have fallen apart.
But ​a last-ditch effort by Pakistan’s military and civilian ⁠leadership brought Iran back to the negotiating table.

According to sources, delegation-level discussions will take place today, while the key central phase of negotiations is scheduled for Saturday.

The United States will be represented by Vice President JD Vance, senior negotiator Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump.

Iran will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the venue of the talks, where he reviewed the security arrangements.

[12: 32 PM] Pakistan, France pledge to strengthening bilateral ties

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar received a phone call from Foreign Minister of France, Jean-Noël Barrot on Friday.

The French Foreign Minister congratulated Pakistan on its role in securing the initial ceasefire agreement and expressed support for Pakistan’s continued efforts toward a diplomatic pathway for lasting peace and stability in the region.

Both leaders expressed concern over serious ceasefire violations made in Lebanon and underscored the importance of full implementation and respect for the ceasefire.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic and trade cooperation, and agreed to stay in touch.

DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received a phone call today from Foreign Minister of France, Jean-Noël Barrot @jnbarrot.

FM Barrot congratulated Pakistan on its role in securing the initial ceasefire agreement and expressed support for Pakistan’s continued… pic.twitter.com/9Mt1SGhRXK

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 10, 2026

[ 11: 21 AM] All bank branches in Iran to resume full operations tomorrow

[10: 12 AM] Bilawal hopes lifting of sanctions from Iran will benefit Pakistan, other countries

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said lifting of sanctions from Iran will not only benefit Pakistan, but a large global community.

Pakistan is all set to host ceasefire talks in Islamabad between Iran and United States. All arrangements have been finalised for the high-stake talks.

Referring to the recent US-Iran ceasefire, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the world is now looking towards Pakistan, recognising it as a country playing a constructive role in promoting peace. He added that the international community expects Pakistan to contribute to maintaining global stability.

[09: 28 AM] IRGC denies attacking any country during ceasefire

Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has categorically denied carrying out reported drone and missile strikes on facilities in countries along the southern edge of the Persian Gulf, stressing that Iranian forces carried out no such operations during the ceasefire hours.

In an official statement on Thursday night, the IRGC stated, “The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have not launched any missiles at any country during the ceasefire hours until now.”

The IRGC was responding to a wave of unverified reports circulated by various news agencies over the past few hours alleging Iranian attacks on targets in the Persian Gulf region.

“We would like to inform you that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have not launched any missiles at any country during the ceasefire hours until now,” the statement read.

[09: 10 AM] “We are going to reach a very successful agreement”: Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump, in an interview with CBS, said he has advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back attacks on Lebanon.

President Trump noted that Mr Netanyahu has issues with Hezbollah, but expressed confidence that the situation would stabilise soon. He added that Mr Netanyahu supports the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

“We are going to reach a very successful agreement,” President Trump said, adding that “what lies ahead is very positive, and everything will proceed in a good manner.”

[08: 42 AM] Pakistan welcomes all delegations including journalists from participating nations: Dar

Pakistan welcomes all delegates including journalists from participating nations, traveling in relation to Islamabad Talks 2026. To this end, all airlines are requested to permit boarding to all such individuals without Visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them… pic.twitter.com/mvWJyv2P4s

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 10, 2026

[08: 00 AM] Security tightened in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran talks

Preparations and security arrangements for the upcoming United States–Iran negotiations in Islamabad have been reviewed at a high-level meeting.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the reception and hospitality of foreign delegations, as well as foolproof security measures. He stated that hosting the US-Iran talks in Islamabad is a matter of great honour for Pakistan.

The minister instructed that all possible steps be taken to guarantee the safety of visiting delegations. It was decided during the meeting that the Red Zone will be completely sealed, with entry permitted only to authorised individuals.

Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that a control room has been established at the Ministry of Interior to oversee operations.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Federal Secretary for Interior, and the Chief Commissioner. Representatives from the Pakistan Rangers, Federal Constabulary, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan were also present.

Additionally, the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, the Commissioner of Rawalpindi, the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency, and the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad attended the session.

امریکا ایران مذاکرات غیر ملکی وفود کی اسلام آباد آمد آج
شہر بھر میں سیکیورٹی کے خصوصی اقدامات کیے گئے ہیں#ARYNews pic.twitter.com/AHAzfLvAKt

— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) April 9, 2026

[02: 00 AM] US journalists seek visas to cover Islamabad Talks

ایران امریکا مزاکرات کی کوریج کیلئے سینکڑوں امریکی صحافیوں کی پاکستان کیلئے ویزا درخواستیں

اسلام آباد میں امریکا اور ایران کے درمیان مزاکرات کی کوریج کیلئے وائٹ ہائوس نے صحافیوں کیلئے رجسٹریشن کا آغاز کر دیا ہے۔ سینکڑوں امریکی صحافیوں نے پاکستان کے ویزے کیلئے درخواستیں جمع کرادی… pic.twitter.com/2ZJuMex9a7

— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) April 9, 2026

Pezeshkian said Iran would not abandon ​the Lebanese ​people.

His comments come after ‌Israel carried ⁠out its heaviest strikes on Lebanon ​since ​the ⁠conflict with Hezbollah ​broke out ​last ⁠month, killing more than ⁠250 ​people on ​Wednesday.

Read Also: Netanyahu says Israel ready to ‘return to battle at any moment’ against Iran

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel remains prepared to confront Iran if necessary, despite a truce reached between the United States and Iran.

“Let me be clear: We still have objectives to complete, and we will achieve them — either through agreement or through renewed fighting,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

“We are prepared to return to combat at any moment required. Our finger remains on the trigger. This is not the end of the campaign, but a step along the way to achieving all our objectives.”

“Iran enters this pause battered, weaker than ever.”

Netanyahu also hit back at opposition leaders who chastised him for agreeing to the truce before Israel achieved its objectives in the war.

“As you know, last night a temporary two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran came into effect, in full coordination with Israel,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

“No, we were not surprised at the last moment,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with ARY News, the consul general said Iran closely observes the actions of all countries.

Responding to a question about India’s support for Israel, he stated that such actions are carefully noted by Iran and remembered by its people.

He emphasized that while Iran considers Pakistan a brotherly country and values its support, it also takes note of hostile actions by others.

Mehran Mowahid Far added that any country acting against Iran in the field would be dealt with accordingly.

He remarked that these events leave a lasting impression on public opinion, which is why Iranian citizens were seen taking to the streets carrying Pakistani flags. He also said that had he not been in Pakistan, he might not have survived.

Discussing negotiations with the United States, Mehran Mowahid Far said that issues such as uranium enrichment and Iran’s missile program had been raised in the past, and U.S. demands for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program were rejected by Tehran even during peacetime. He questioned how such demands could now be accepted after the war.

Mehran Mowahid Far accused Israel of enforcing strict censorship and concealing facts, claiming that Israel’s airspace was under Iranian control and that more than 1,000 casualties had occurred there.

He also dismissed U.S. claims regarding a captured pilot, stating that Iranian military officials had not confirmed such reports. According to him, five U.S. aircraft had crashed in Isfahan.

Responding to questions about U.S. threats, he said Iran’s power grid is decentralized, making a nationwide blackout impossible.

Iranian Consul General added that Iran has not yet shown all of its cards, expressing hope that U.S. President Donald Trump would avoid further escalation.

On the question of foreign assistance in Iran’s missile technology, he stated that Iran’s missile capability is the result of 47 years of sanctions and the hard work of young scientists, many in their mid-20s.

While external ideas may have been introduced decades ago, he insisted the technology is now entirely domestically developed. He also highlighted that Iran is agriculturally self-sufficient, producing 7% more food than its needs.

اب ایران کلئیرہےکہ بھارت اپکادوست نہی،اپکےدشمن کادوست،سوال
جب ہم کہتےپاکستان دوست برادرتوہم وہ مثبت پوائنٹس دیکھتےہ،اسی طرح دیگرکےمنفی پہلوبھی دیکھتے
پاکستانیوں نےثابت کیاوہ سخت ایام میںIranکےساتھ،ہماری عوام PAKجھنڈوں کےساتھ سڑکوں پرائی
اگرPAKمیں نہ ہوتا تونہ رہ سکتا،ایرانی قونصل pic.twitter.com/18MKyFsdrZ

— Naeem Ashraf Butt (@NaeemAshrafBut2) April 9, 2026

Regarding diplomatic efforts, he said Pakistan is playing a mediating role to bring both sides closer. He stressed that Iran does not wish to prolong the war but cannot end it until there are guarantees against future attacks.

Speaking about regional relations, he acknowledged support from neighboring countries including Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan in providing medical supplies. He rejected claims that some Saudi officials want the war to prolong, reiterating Iran’s policy of maintaining good relations with neighboring countries.

He confirmed that the Iranian public is angered by Arab countries that allowed their territories to be used for attacks against Iran.

Iranian Consul General said if Arab countries have concerns, they should address them with the United States, urging that their land not be used for attacks on Iran. He also said that a recent attack on water facilities in Kuwait was carried out by Israel and wrongly attributed to Iran.

The consul general expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government and people for their support and condemnation of attacks on Iran, including on schools. He noted that this solidarity was remembered in Iran, where people came out carrying Pakistani flags.

He concluded by saying that Pakistan is sincerely working toward ending the war and that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remains in contact with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Mehran Mowahid Far added that the next steps depend on how the United States responds to the diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan and other countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss the latest developments in the region.

During their conversation on Wednesday night, both leaders voiced deep concern over the violations and stressed the urgent need for full respect and implementation of the ceasefire to ensure lasting peace and stability. The deputy prime minister also appreciated Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts toward achieving regional peace.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the situation unfolds.

Earlier, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon posed a “grave risk” to the fragile US-Iran truce.

His spokesperson said: “The ongoing military activity in Lebanon poses a grave risk to the ceasefire and the efforts toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. The Secretary-General reiterates his call to all parties to immediately cease hostilities.”

Beirut experienced the most intense Israeli bombardment since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon became involved after the Tehran-backed militant group targeted Israel in retaliation for the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

While Iran and the United States agreed to a two-week ceasefire late on Tuesday, Israel has stated that Lebanon is not included in the truce.

Tehran has agreed to temporarily reopen the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil usually passes, as part of a two-week truce.

“All ships intending to transit the Strait of Hormuz are hereby notified that in order to comply with the principles of maritime safety and to be protected from possible collisions with sea mines…they should take alternative routes for traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said in a statement quoted by local media.

The statement shared instructions for an alternative entry and exit route through the strait.

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, less than an hour before US President Donald Trump’s deadline to obliterate the Islamic republic if it did not bow to his demands for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran had effectively blocked the key shipping route since early March, sending global energy prices spiralling.

The truce reached Tuesday showed signs of unravelling, with Israel bombarding Lebanon and Washington contradicting some of Iran’s demands to end the war ahead of planned talks.

“All U.S. Ships, Aircraft, and Military Personnel, with additional Ammunition, Weaponry, and anything else that is appropriate and necessary for the lethal prosecution and destruction of an already substantially degraded Enemy, will remain in place in, and around, Iran, until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

While he said a deal falling through was “highly unlikely,” Trump threatened to revert to “bigger, and better, and stronger” strikes if an agreement was not reached.

“In the meantime, our great Military is Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest. AMERICA IS BACK!” Trump wrote.

Iran agreed to reopen the vital thoroughfare during the two-week truce but said it would maintain “dominion” over it.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key chokepoint through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes in peacetime.

In a Farsi-language release of demands circulated by Iranian state media, the Islamic republic also insisted that Washington accept its uranium enrichment programme.

That was not included in Iran’s demands released via the UN, and Trump has said the matter of enrichment would be “taken care of” in any deal.

Ahead of planned negotiations in Pakistan, Trump said Iran will have “no nuclear weapons” and the “Strait of Hormuz WILL BE OPEN & SAFE.”

Pezeshkian told French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call that Tehran’s “acceptance of the ceasefire is a clear sign of Iran’s responsibility and serious will to resolve conflicts through diplomacy”, ISNA said.

He added that “establishing a ceasefire in Lebanon has been one of the key conditions of Iran’s 10-point plan”.

Read more: Trump will continue to discuss Lebanon with Israeli PM: White House

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel remains prepared to confront Iran if necessary, despite a truce reached between the United States and Iran.

“Let me be clear: We still have objectives to complete, and we will achieve them — either through agreement or through renewed fighting,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

“We are prepared to return to combat at any moment required. Our finger remains on the trigger. This is not the end of the campaign, but a step along the way to achieving all our objectives.”

“Iran enters this pause battered, weaker than ever.”

Netanyahu also hit back at opposition leaders who chastised him for agreeing to the truce before Israel achieved its objectives in the war.

“As you know, last night a temporary two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran came into effect, in full coordination with Israel,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

US President Donald Trump will continue to discuss with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the idea of including Lebanon in an Iran war ceasefire deal, his spokeswoman said Wednesday.

“This will continue to be discussed, I am sure, between the president and Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu, the United States and Israel and all of the parties involved,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

The US-Iran truce does not include Lebanon, which was drawn into the war after Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel.

Hegseth and General ​Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint ​Chiefs of Staff, spoke to reporters a ⁠day after President Donald Trump ​from the brink of a threatened full-on assault ​on Iran on Tuesday night, two hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to ​open the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.

Caine said ​U.S. military objectives in Iran have been met but ‌the ⁠ceasefire is a pause and forces remain ready to resume combat.

Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military was “hanging around” in the Middle ​East to ensure ​Iran ⁠complies with the two-week ceasefire and to monitor the country’s enriched ​uranium stockpile.

“On the uranium, we’re watching ​it. ⁠We know what they have, and they will give it up, and we’ll get ⁠it. ​We’ll take it if ​we have to,” Hegseth told reporters.

US says military objectives in Iran met but still ready for combat

Speaking alongside U.S. Defense secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine said the U.S. had met its military objectves in Iran.

He said the U.S. remained ready to resume combat if needed.

“A ceasefire is a pause and the joint force remains ready if ordered or called upon, to resume combat operations with the same speed and precision as we’ve demonstrated over the last 38 days and we hope that that is not the case,” he said.

Caine also said the joint forces had struck more than 13,000 targets during the Iran operation.

He added that 80% of Iran’s air defense systems and more than 90% of Iran’s conventional navy fleet had been destroyed.

Trump says nations supplying Iran with weapons face 50% tariff

In a follow up post, Trump said that any country supplying Iran with military weapons will face immediate 50% tariffs with no exemptions.

Between 2021 and 2025, all of Iran’s imported arms came from Russia, based on data recorded by SIPRI.

As per details, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian following ceasefire announcement by President Donald Trump.

ایران نے رواں ہفتے اسلام آباد میں امریکا کے ساتھ مذاکرات کی میزبانی کی پیشکش قبول کرلی#ARYNews #BreakingNews #Islamabad #Pakistan #Iran #USA pic.twitter.com/qds5OjzwKb

— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) April 8, 2026

The discussion, described as cordial and friendly, lasted for more than 45 minutes. During the conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the Iranian leadership’s wisdom in showing willingness towards a ceasefire.

He also offered to host talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad later this week. President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed his participation in the proposed talks in Islamabad, the statement added. The premier also expressed respect for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

On the occasion, Iran President Pezeshkian thanked the Pakistani leadership for its efforts in facilitating a temporary ceasefire and conveyed his good wishes for the people of Pakistan.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact going forward, the statement added.

It is to be noted that US President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, less than two hours before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks on its civilian infrastructure in which he had threatened ‘a whole civilization will die’.