'Finger on the trigger': Iran's military ramps up threats ahead of US talks

Senior Iranian officials are locked in a dispute over the composition and authority of the delegation set to negotiate with the United States in Islamabad, sources with knowledge of the matter told Iran International.

IRGC commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi is seeking to curb the authority of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the talks, according to the sources.

Vahidi has also pushed for the inclusion of Mohammad-Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, in the negotiating team — a move opposed by current members, who consider him lacking experience for strategic negotiations, the sources said.

At the same time, Vahidi and the IRGC Aerospace Force commander have stressed that the delegation must avoid any negotiations over Iran’s missile program.

US Vice President JD Vance said on Friday he is looking forward to negotiations with Iran, adding that President Donald Trump has provided clear guidelines for the talks. He said he believes the negotiations will be positive.

"As the president ‌of ⁠the United States said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good ​faith, ​we're ⁠certainly willing to extend the open hand," ​Vance said. "If they're ​going ⁠to try to play us, then they're going to ⁠find ​the negotiating ​team is not that receptive."

An Iranian hardline cleric said the country’s leader approved a ceasefire while warning forces it would not be upheld and fighting would continue.

Mashhad Friday prayers imam Ahmad Alamolhoda said on Friday, “the leader [Mojtaba Khamenei] allowed the Supreme National Security Council to accept a ceasefire, but also told fighters it is false and the enemy will not adhere to it.”

“The Supreme National Security Council also announced it would accept a ceasefire to counter the US plot, but it ultimately became clear that the ceasefire itself was false and the enemy does not abide by one.”

Iran’s internet blackout has entered its 42nd day, reaching 984 hours, with most users limited to a domestic network, monitoring group NetBlocks said on Friday.

“While the general public are restricted to the local National Information Network, chosen users are whitelisted … to deliver alternative narratives,” NetBlocks said.

More than 7,500 people have been hospitalized with war-related injuries since fighting with Iran began on February 28, Israel’s Health Ministry said.

A total of 7,527 people have been admitted, with 108 still hospitalized, including two in critical condition and 13 in serious condition.

The figures include both soldiers and civilians, with some injuries occurring indirectly, such as while seeking shelter.