Both the US and Iran sent sharp warnings ahead of the negotiations in Pakistan that are set to begin this weekend.
US Vice President J.D. Vance said before the trip that he had received clear guidelines from President Donald Trump, without mentioning which ones.
"We will try to have positive negotiations. If the Iranians are ready to negotiate in good faith, we are willing to extend an open hand. If they try to manipulate us, they will find that our negotiating team is not receptive," Vance told reporters at Joint Base Andrews.
Two requirements
The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Ghalibaf, who is seen as influential in the new power landscape in the country, wrote on X that two requirements must be met for negotiations with the US to begin.
He stated that Iran's frozen assets, held by other countries, must be released. The second demand is that a ceasefire must also prevail in Lebanon:
"Two of the measures agreed upon have not yet been implemented. These two must be fulfilled before negotiations can begin."
The outcome indicates the depth of the divide that exists between the two parties.
"A temporary ceasefire exists, but now the next difficult task awaits: achieving a lasting ceasefire and resolving complex issues through negotiations," said Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Tremendous security
Security ahead of the meeting was reported to be enormous: the streets were deserted, and police and military carefully set up roadblocks on Friday.
In Iran, feelings were reported to be mixed ahead of the negotiations. The announced two-week ceasefire is a relief, but there is great concern that the war will gain new momentum.
Tehran resident Maryam Saeedpoor said Trump's threat to kill "an entire civilization" hours before news of a ceasefire had shaken residents.
In addition, US and Israeli attacks have destroyed industries and infrastructure that helped the country endure the extensive international sanctions.
According to Iranian authorities, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, but health officials say the number is higher.
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