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More than 3,000 people have been killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks across Iran since Feb. 28, Iran’s Forensic Authority said Thursday.
Abbas Masjedi Arani, head of the authority, said about 40% of the bodies could not initially be identified following the attacks.
Speaking to Iranian outlet Mizan, Masjedi Arani said authorities relied on expertise developed during the 12-day war last June to identify victims and return remains to their families.
He said the forensic authority, working with the judiciary, had mobilized all available resources to process casualties, adding that identification efforts were ongoing.
The reported toll of more than 3,000 deaths could not be independently verified.
Iran and the United States announced a two-week truce on Tuesday aimed at paving the way for a final agreement to end the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
A high-level Iranian delegation is expected to arrive in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, for talks with the United States, despite skepticism over reported ceasefire violations by Israel, Iran’s ambassador in Islamabad said Thursday.
Islamabad is set to host talks between delegations from the United States and Iran after the ceasefire was secured late Tuesday.
Iran’s ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam said on the U.S. social media platform X that the delegation would arrive for “serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran.”
“Despite skepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli regime to sabotage the diplomatic initiative, invited by Hon. PM (Prime Minister) Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran,” he said.
The post was later deleted without explanation, although the ambassador did not retract his earlier statement.
At the talks, the United States is expected to be represented by Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to reports.
The format of the talks remains unclear.
Pakistani authorities have heightened security measures in Islamabad ahead of the meetings, closing major roads leading to the diplomatic enclave and key government installations, including the Prime Minister’s Office, President’s House and Foreign Ministry.
According to official statements, the talks are scheduled to take place Friday.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with acting U.S. Ambassador to Islamabad Natalie Baker, where they discussed the situation in the Middle East and welcomed the ceasefire.
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Baker praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role, while Naqvi said Vance, Witkoff and Kushner would be special guests and that a comprehensive security plan had been put in place.
Separately, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to discuss regional developments.
“Both expressed deep concern over ceasefire violations in Lebanon and stressed the urgent need for full respect for and implementation of the ceasefire to ensure lasting peace and stability,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Dar also praised Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts to achieve lasting peace, and the two sides agreed to remain in close contact.
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