JD Vance Leads Historic US-Iran Peace Talks in Pakistan Mediated by Shehbaz Sharif

Vice President JD Vance led the first face-to-face peace talks between the United States and Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“live Iran war live updates: US and Iranian delegations start crucial peace talks Peace talks between the US and Iran have begun in Islamabad, Pakistan”

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The talks were mediated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The negotiations came after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a provisional two-week ceasefire last Tuesday.

Significant disputes remained, including Iran's demand that blocked assets be released before talks begin and whether the ceasefire covers Lebanon.

Trump tweeted that the Strait of Hormuz will soon be open, while Iran maintained its blockade.

The talks lasted nearly nine and a half hours, with no immediate agreement announced.

Iran's parliament speaker insisted that the release of blocked Iranian assets must be fulfilled before negotiations begin.

The U.S. White House denied reports that it had agreed to release frozen assets.

BBC

Iran also demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel continued its military campaign against Hezbollah.

Trump argued that Lebanon was not included in the initial ceasefire agreement.

The dispute over Lebanon's inclusion prompted Iran to restrict traffic in the Strait of Hormuz again.

The future of Tehran's nuclear program loomed as one of the thorniest issues.

The Bangladesh Garment Workers' Federation called a nationwide strike.

“What to know about the Iran war today: - Vice President JD Vance, senior envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Iranian leaders for direct face-to-face talks on Saturday, a senior U”

CBS News

Federation president Kalpona Akter said Rahman Textile had been cited for fire safety violations in 2024 but had continued operating.

This was not an accident. This was corporate murder, Akter said.

Labour Minister Tahmina Akhter pledged an immediate government investigation.

The BBC reported rescue officials describing the blaze as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Bangladesh in a decade.

Firefighter Mahmud Iqbal said 47 people had been injured, including 12 in critical condition.

Rahman Textile produced clothing for several European fashion brands, including Hessen and BrandBox.

Hessen's compliance team had audited the factory in March.

CNN

Rahman Textile owner Faisal Rahman issued a statement claiming the factory had passed its most recent safety inspection in January.

Clean Clothes Campaign spokesperson Ineke Zeldenrust told the Guardian that the audit system was fundamentally broken.

Rahman was being questioned about allegations that the factory's emergency exits had been welded shut to prevent worker theft.