The spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baqaei, has stated that the holding of negotiations in Islamabad, scheduled for this Saturday, is conditioned on the US fulfilling ceasefire commitments on "all fronts, including Lebanon".
These words came shortly after the Fars and Tasnim agencies, both linked to the Revolutionary Guard, reported that Iran will not participate in the negotiations in Pakistan to end the war until the ceasefire in Lebanon is implemented. The two media outlets indicated that the Iranian negotiating team has not yet been dispatched.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has criticized Iran's management of the Strait of Hormuz and stated that it is not what they agreed upon last Tuesday when they declared a temporary ceasefire. "Iran is doing a terrible job --dishonorable, some would say-- allowing the passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. That is not the agreement we have!" wrote the Republican early this morning after warning the Islamic republic to immediately desist from charging fees.
"There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers," said Trump in his previous message, in which he added, "They better not do it, and if they do, they should stop immediately!" he had previously threatened.
Vance states he wants "positive negotiations" with Iran
The US Vice President, JD Vance, stated this Friday that he desires "positive negotiations" with Iran before boarding Air Force Two to travel to Pakistan, where the talks are scheduled.
"As the President of the United States has said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are fully prepared to extend a hand to them," he stated, but "if they try to deceive us, they will find that our negotiating team will not be very receptive."
"Therefore, we will try to conduct positive negotiations," he added.
Gasoline Prices in the US Increased 21% Between February and March, Driving Inflation to 3.3%
The rise in energy prices caused by the war in Iran has driven inflation to its highest increase in four years. Specifically, it has reached 3.3% year-on-year, according to official data released on Friday. This is the highest level since May 2024, in line with market forecasts. In comparison, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was at a 2.4% year-on-year in February.
Between February and March, gasoline prices surged by 21.2%.
Pope Leo XIV reminds that "God does not bless wars"
Pope Leo XIV stated this Friday that "God does not bless any conflict" and that those who are "disciples of Christ" are never on the side of those who "drop bombs." He said this while receiving the members of the Synod of the Chaldean Church of Baghdad at the Vatican.
"Help us to proclaim clearly that God does not bless any conflict; to shout to the world that those who are disciples of Christ, prince of peace, are never on the side of those who yesterday wielded the sword and today drop bombs; to remember that military actions will not create spaces of freedom or times of peace, but only the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples," the Pope expressed to the Chaldean representatives. In a harsh speech, the Pope told the bishops that they were signs of hope "in a world marked by absurd and inhuman violence," driven "by greed and hatred."
Hizbullah urges the Lebanese government not to make "gratuitous concessions" to Israel
The leader of Hizbullah urged Lebanese officials on Friday not to make "gratuitous concessions" to Israel, as both countries are set to begin talks next week in Washington.
"We call on officials to stop making gratuitous concessions," stated Naim Qassem in a written speech, the text of which was read by Hizbullah's channel, Al-Manar. He denounced Israel's "bloody crimes," which on Wednesday carried out massive attacks against Lebanon, causing more than 300 deaths.