Tensions have escalated ahead of the scheduled U.S.–Iran peace talks in Islamabad, with Israel strongly condemning remarks made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, who accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Lebanon.
In a series of posts on X, Asif—whose country is mediating the ceasefire negotiations—used sharply critical language to describe Israel, calling it “evil,” “a curse for humanity,” and “cancerous.” He further alleged that while peace talks were being prepared in Islamabad, “genocide is being committed in Lebanon,” adding that violence had continued from Gaza to Iran and now Lebanon.
The remarks drew swift and strong reactions from Israeli leadership. In an official response, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that such rhetoric was “unacceptable,” particularly from a government positioning itself as a neutral mediator. The statement described Asif’s comments as a “call for Israel’s annihilation,” terming them “outrageous.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the remarks, characterising them as “openly antisemitic” and inappropriate for a country seeking to facilitate peace negotiations. He noted that referring to Israel as “cancerous” effectively equates to advocating its destruction, and reaffirmed Israel’s stance on defending itself against hostile entities.
The diplomatic row unfolds as Pakistan prepares to host high-level delegations from both the United States and Iran for talks aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict in West Asia. According to the proposed schedule, delegations are expected to begin arriving in Islamabad late Friday, with discussions set to continue through the weekend.
The White House has confirmed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation. He will be accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, along with senior officials from the White House and the Pentagon.
On the Iranian side, the delegation is expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, along with other senior officials, will also participate in the talks.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the exchange of sharp rhetoric underscores the fragile and highly sensitive nature of the negotiations, with regional tensions continuing to cast a shadow over prospects for a lasting ceasefire.
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