Islamabad

A source involved in the talks said the parties came "very close" to an agreement and were "80% there" before running into decisions that could not be settled on the spot. 

Meanwhile, Netanyahu says Israel fully backs Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, rejects claims of a rift with Washington, and stresses US demands to halt Tehran's nuclear enrichment program.

Stopping the bombs is a step, but as long as the regime itself is left in power, there will be no change vis-à-vis Iran, with or without a deal.

This shows the country is seeking to take the reins of regional responsibility after many years in which Pakistan seemed consumed by domestic troubles.

Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif briefly posted a message on X accusing Israel of carrying out “genocide” and using language Israeli officials condemned as inflammatory and offensive.

The Washington Post reported that it's not clear the grade of importance that the delegation, led by US Vice President JD Vance, will place on this demand.

"The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways," Trump posted on Truth Social.

According to security sources, a US Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying an advance security and tactical team landed at Nur Khan Air Base on Thursday afternoon. 

As Pakistan steps forward as a peacemaker, it is joined by Turkey, Qatar, China, and other countries. It remains to be seen if Pakistan can build the trust needed for peace. 

It suspended gas supply to several parts of the city and at least five more districts, the official said.