US Led by JD Vance and Iran Led by Ghalibaf Begin Historic War Talks in Islamabad

Pakistan's capital Islamabad prepared to host historic negotiations between the United States and Iran.

“Islamabad, Pakistan – Pavements are being painted, an already formidable security presence is being bolstered, and an air of anticipation — and anxiety — is gripping Pakistan’s capital as it prepares to host meetings that the world will watch this weekend”

Al Jazeera

The talks came six weeks after the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Al Jazeera

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally invited both sides to pursue talks towards a full settlement of the war.

The White House confirmed that formal discussions would start on Saturday morning local time.

The US delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance, joined by Trump’s top envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The Iranian delegation was expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The death toll diverged sharply across sources.

The Bangladeshi government and Reuters placed the figure at 28.

Anadolu Ajansi

The Dhaka Tribune and Guardian at 33.

Al Jazeera correspondents counted at least 41.

Fire service chief Mahmud Iqbal said most victims were found near the stairwells on the third and fourth floors.

Witnesses told the BBC that the factory's main exit was locked when the fire broke out.

Survivors described workers pounding on locked metal doors as smoke filled the stairwells.

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Axios

Nasrin Begum escaped by jumping from a second-floor window.

The Bangladesh Garment Workers' Federation called a nationwide strike.

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

Labour Minister Tahmina Akhter pledged an immediate government investigation.

Firefighter Mahmud Iqbal said 47 people had been injured.

Rahman Textile produced clothing for several European fashion brands.

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

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Rahman Textile owner Faisal Rahman claimed the factory had passed its most recent safety inspection in January.

Clean Clothes Campaign spokesperson said the audit system was fundamentally broken.

The Dhaka Tribune reported that Rahman was being questioned about welded shut emergency exits.