The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, urged the United States and Iran, ahead of the start of the scheduled negotiations in Pakistan, to “make a real effort to reach a lasting settlement to the conflict.” United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Friday that the two sides should use the talks in Pakistan as “an opportunity to deal in good faith in order to reach a permanent and comprehensive agreement aimed at stopping the escalation and preventing a return to hostilities.” The talks are scheduled to begin in Islamabad on Saturday, with the American delegation headed by Vice President J.D. Vance, while the Iranian side is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad, headed by Qalibaf, and also included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with a number of officials.