Controversy Erupts Ahead of US-Iran Talks in Islamabad

Tensions are escalating ahead of the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, following controversial remarks by Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif regarding Israel. His comments, deemed offensive, have drawn sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading to the deletion of Asif's post. As preparations for the talks intensify, Iran threatens to withdraw unless Israel halts its actions in Lebanon. This situation raises significant questions about the impartiality of the negotiations and the future of peace in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 11:34 IST

Tensions Rise Before Peace Talks

A significant controversy has emerged just before the US-Iran discussions aimed at restoring peace in West Asia, set to take place in Islamabad. Comments made by Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, deemed 'offensive' towards Israel, have not only crossed diplomatic boundaries but also raised concerns about the impartiality of the upcoming peace negotiations. Following a sharp backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Asif has since deleted his controversial post.

Netanyahu's Strong Response

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed strong disapproval of Asif's remarks, labeling them as 'provocative and unacceptable.' In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Asif criticized Israel for its actions in Lebanon and other parts of West Asia, alleging that the country was killing civilians in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon. However, he later removed the post.

Asif stated, 'Israel is evil and a curse on humanity. While peace talks are ongoing in Islamabad, a massacre is happening in Lebanon. Israel is killing innocent civilians—first Gaza, then Iran, and now Lebanon; the bloodshed continues.'

Asif's Controversial Remarks

He further expressed, 'I hope and pray that those who created this 'cancerous state' on Palestinian land to rid themselves of European Jews burn in hell.'

Israel's Reaction

Israel reacted strongly to these comments. Netanyahu's office described Asif's statements as 'provocative' and unacceptable. The statement emphasized that such language cannot be tolerated from any government, especially one that presents itself as a neutral mediator in peace talks.

The statement read, 'The Pakistani defense minister's demand for the destruction of Israel is extremely provocative. This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, particularly one that claims to be a neutral mediator for peace.'

US-Iran Ceasefire Talks

Preparations are underway in Pakistan as it gears up to host delegations from the US and Iran for talks aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts in West Asia. According to the schedule, officials from both sides will begin arriving in Islamabad late Friday night, with arrivals continuing on Saturday ahead of formal discussions.

However, Iran has threatened to withdraw from the talks if Israel does not cease its attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both Tel Aviv and Washington have rejected this condition, stating it was not part of the agreement.