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What’s happening?
- • Deadliest day in Lebanon: Over 300 killed as Israel intensifies Beirut strikes.
- • Netanyahu denies Lebanon ceasefire, vows to keep striking Hezbollah targets.
- • Iran maintains Strait of Hormuz blockade, warns of “strong response” to attacks.
- • U.S. Vice President JD Vance to lead high-level peace talks in Islamabad.
- • Direct Israel-Lebanon negotiations expected next week in Washington.
Iran official reports over 3,000 killed in conflict with Israel and U.S.
For the first time, we are getting a glimpse into the human cost of the conflict within Iran. Abbas Masjedi, head of Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization, has stated that over 3,000 people have been killed in what he termed “enemy attacks.”
While the official didn’t specify how many were civilians versus military personnel, this remains the most significant admission of casualties from Tehran since the war began weeks ago. The news adds even more weight to the upcoming peace talks in Islamabad.
While the official didn’t specify how many were civilians versus military personnel, this remains the most significant admission of casualties from Tehran since the war began weeks ago. The news adds even more weight to the upcoming peace talks in Islamabad.
Islamabad turns into a ‘Fortress’ as city-wide lockdown begins ahead of peace summit
An eerie silence has taken over Islamabad today. The city is essentially under a total lockdown, with major roads empty and heavy security checkpoints at every corner. A two-day public holiday has been declared to keep residents home while additional troops and police secure the capital.
With JD Vance set to depart for Pakistan today and the Iranian delegation expected shortly, the stakes couldn’t be higher. All eyes are on the Serena Hotel, where talks are scheduled to officially kick off tomorrow, Saturday.
With JD Vance set to depart for Pakistan today and the Iranian delegation expected shortly, the stakes couldn’t be higher. All eyes are on the Serena Hotel, where talks are scheduled to officially kick off tomorrow, Saturday.
Global markets on edge: Asian stocks rally and oil prices climb ahead of Islamabad summit
The financial world is watching Pakistan very closely. Asian markets, including the Nikkei and Kospi, saw decent gains Friday morning as traders pin their hopes on the upcoming Vance-led talks.
Oil prices are also creeping up, with Brent crude hitting $96.92. Even with a ceasefire on the table, experts at Barclays warn that the days of cheap oil are gone for now. As they put it: “A ceasefire is not a refund”—the damage to the global energy market won’t be fixed overnight, even if the shooting stops.
Oil prices are also creeping up, with Brent crude hitting $96.92. Even with a ceasefire on the table, experts at Barclays warn that the days of cheap oil are gone for now. As they put it: “A ceasefire is not a refund”—the damage to the global energy market won’t be fixed overnight, even if the shooting stops.
Pakistan to issue visas on arrival ahead of talks
In a move showing just how massive the next few days will be, Pakistan has announced it will issue visas on arrival for everyone traveling for the U.S.-Iran talks. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that airlines have been asked to let delegates and journalists board without pre-arranged visas. It’s a clear signal that the world’s media is descending on Islamabad to catch every second of the Vance-led negotiations.
Pakistan welcomes all delegates including journalists from participating nations, traveling in relation to Islamabad Talks 2026. To this end, all airlines are requested to permit boarding to all such individuals without Visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them… pic.twitter.com/mvWJyv2P4s
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 10, 2026