Iran war day 85: Tehran says major gaps remain in US talks

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Friday as diplomatic efforts to broker a peace agreement between Iran and the United States intensified.
• Pakistani officials are reportedly playing a growing mediation role as regional powers push to prevent a wider conflict.
• But Iranian officials have tempered expectations for a quick breakthrough.
• Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said differences in the mediated talks between Tehran and Washington remain “deep and significant”, signalling that major obstacles still stand in the way of a formal agreement.
• Meanwhile, outrage is growing over Israel’s treatment of Gaza aid flotilla activists after organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said at least 15 detainees reported incidents of sexual assault, including rape, following their seizure by Israeli forces in international waters.