Iran delivered a powerful and emotional message as its delegation arrived in Islamabad for crucial peace talks with the United States. The delegation, led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, carried blood-stained school bags, children’s shoes, white flowers, and photographs to symbolize the tragic loss of young lives during the ongoing conflict.
The group named its mission “Minab 168”, referring to schoolchildren who Iranian officials claim were killed during the first day of alleged strikes involving the United States and Israel. The symbolic items were placed in the front row of the aircraft carrying the delegation, creating a stark visual reminder of the human toll of the conflict.
Ghalibaf shared an image on social media platform X showing himself looking at the belongings of the children. In the post, he wrote, “My companions on this flight #Minab168,” emphasizing that the memory of the children was traveling with the delegation to the negotiations.
According to Iranian officials, more than 160 children lost their lives on February 28 during an alleged strike on the Shajareh Tayyibeh Girls’ Elementary School in the southern Iranian town of Minab. Authorities in Tehran claim the attack occurred during the opening phase of military strikes targeting Iranian positions. However, the incident and the reported casualty figures have not been independently verified by international organizations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, later shared what he described as an aerial image showing mass graves being prepared for the victims. He strongly condemned the alleged attack, calling it “cold-blooded murder” and accusing Washington of responsibility. The authenticity of the image has not been confirmed by independent sources.
The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad early Saturday and was welcomed by several senior Pakistani officials, including Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Asim Munir, and Mohsin Naqvi. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key facilitator for dialogue at a time when tensions in the region remain dangerously high.
The diplomatic meeting is expected to focus on Iran’s proposed 10-point ceasefire plan, which Tehran hopes could pave the way for a broader de-escalation of hostilities. Observers say the talks represent one of the most significant diplomatic efforts in recent months to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.
On the American side, JD Vance is expected to participate in the discussions along with senior envoy Steve Witkoff and former White House adviser Jared Kushner. Vance’s trip is particularly notable as it marks the first visit by a sitting US vice president to Pakistan since 2011.
Diplomats and analysts believe the meeting could be a critical step toward reducing tensions between Iran and its adversaries. At the same time, Iran’s decision to bring the belongings of children to the talks reflects a deliberate attempt to remind negotiators of the devastating impact that conflict can have on civilians.
While it remains unclear whether the discussions in Islamabad will lead to an immediate breakthrough, the emotional message delivered by the “Minab 168” delegation has already drawn global attention to the humanitarian dimension of the crisis.
Summary – Key Highlights
Iran’s delegation named “Minab 168” arrived in Islamabad carrying symbolic items belonging to children reportedly killed in Minab. The delegation is led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Iranian officials claim more than 160 children died in an alleged strike on a girls’ school in Minab, though the incident remains unverified internationally. Peace talks between Iran and the United States are being held in Islamabad to discuss Tehran’s proposed ceasefire plan. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to attend, marking the first visit by a US vice president to Pakistan in more than a decade.