Iran war latest: Ceasefire talks underway with Vance in Pakistan

The U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran entered its 43rd day Saturday as Vice President JD Vance leads a delegation to Pakistan for ceasefire talks. 

The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan still faces hurdles in the talks beginning Saturday, as Israel and Hezbollah militants have been trading fire along the border of southern Lebanon and Iran has set conditions before negotiations can begin.

Iran has said discussions will only take place if Israel stops bombing Lebanon and blocked Iranian assets are released. 

"They’re militarily defeated," Trump said. 

More than 3,000 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, along with at least 13 U.S. troops and more than 1,900 people in Lebanon. 

RELATED: Iranian death toll surpasses 3,000, official says

Here’s the latest: 

Talks begin, Trump says ‘no idea’ how they'll go

12:30 p.m. ET: The Associated Press reported that Trump spoke on the phone with NewsNation and confirmed talks among the U.S., Iran and Pakistan had begun. 

When asked how negotiations would go, Trump said: "I have no idea."

The U.S. president said he would know shortly if he felt Iran was acting in good faith about resolving the war.

Trump added that the U.S. knew where mines had been placed in the Strait of Hormuz and that the military was bringing equipment to remove them.

Trump says US ‘clearing out’ Strait of Hormuz

9:54 a.m. ET: In a lengthy social media post, President Trump said the U.S. is "clearing out" the Strait of Hormuz, where much of the world's oil passes each day, despite earlier claims that the Strait's closure was a good thing because the U.S. can supply oil to other countries. 

"We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others," Trump wrote. "Incredibly, they don’t have the Courage or Will to do this work themselves."

The Strait of Hormuz remained closed as of Saturday. Tehran’s control of the strait has proved a strategic advantage in the war, driving up energy prices across the globe. 

Trump says US can supply oil and gas amid strait closure

8:30 a.m. ET: President Donald Trump now says Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a good thing for the U.S. 

Trump said in a social media post on Saturday that oil tankers "are heading, right now, to the United States to load up with the best and ‘sweetest’ oil (and gas!) anywhere in the World."

RELATED: Strait of Hormuz closed in response to Israeli attack, local reports say

Trump argues that the U.S. can serve as an alternative source of oil and natural gas, though increased demand for American energy products could further push up prices for consumers unless there is more domestic production.

Vance meets with Pakistani prime minister

8:20 a.m. ET: U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Saturday with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Vance was accompanied by President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.

Sharif’s office said the prime minister told the U.S. delegation that Pakistan looks forward to continuing its facilitation efforts to help both sides make progress toward sustainable peace.

Iran's state-run television reported earlier that Iran’s negotiating team also met with Sharif.

Iran lays out ‘redlines’ to Pakistan’s prime minister: report

8:15 a.m. ET: Iran’s state television reported on Saturday that terms for a ceasefire include compensation for damage caused by the U.S.-Israeli strikes and releasing the country’s frozen assets.

Iranian negotiators disclosed the terms in their meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

They also include a mechanism for opening the Strait of Hormuz and a "tangible and lasting ceasefire" in Iran and other areas - an apparent reference to Iran’s allies in the region.

Iran War