In a powerful and symbolic gesture, an Iranian delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad carrying blood-stained school bags, shoes, white flowers, and photographs of children killed in the ongoing conflict. The items, placed prominently on board the flight, served as a stark reminder of the human toll of the war as Iran prepares for crucial peace negotiations with the United States.
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Sharing an image on social media platform X, Ghalibaf wrote, “My companions on this flight #Minab168,” referring to the name given to the delegation in memory of the victims. The visual showed the Iranian leader looking at the belongings of the children, underlining the emotional weight behind the diplomatic mission.
‘Minab 168’: A Delegation Named After Tragedy
The delegation has been named “Minab 168” after reports that over 160 children were killed during the initial phase of the war, allegedly in a strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, on February 28. The incident remains highly contested, with conflicting narratives from Tehran and Washington.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously shared images purportedly showing mass graves being prepared for the victims, condemning the incident as a deliberate attack. He described the strike as a “cold-blooded” act, claiming that the school was targeted during daytime hours when it was filled with students.
However, Donald Trump has denied that US forces were responsible, instead suggesting that Iranian weaponry may have caused the destruction due to alleged inaccuracy. Meanwhile, reports, including those attributed to The New York Times, have indicated the possibility of a targeting error involving a Tomahawk missile, though no official confirmation has been made.
High-Stakes Talks in Islamabad
The emotionally charged arrival comes as US and Iranian officials prepare to engage in high-level peace talks in Islamabad. The Iranian delegation, led by Ghalibaf and Araghchi, includes senior officials tasked with negotiating a potential ceasefire framework based on Tehran’s reported 10-point proposal.
On the American side, Vice President JD Vance is leading the delegation, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner. Vance’s visit marks the first by a US vice president to Pakistan in over a decade, underscoring the significance of the talks.
Pakistani officials, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Asim Munir, received the Iranian delegation, highlighting Islamabad’s central role as a mediator in the ongoing crisis.
The inclusion of symbolic artefacts linked to the Minab incident reflects Iran’s attempt to foreground civilian casualties in the diplomatic narrative. The move is likely aimed at strengthening its moral position ahead of negotiations, even as disputes over the facts of the incident persist.
The war, which began with coordinated US-Israeli strikes, has entered a critical phase, with both sides facing mounting international pressure to de-escalate. The outcome of the Islamabad talks could determine whether a broader ceasefire agreement is within reach or if the conflict will continue to intensify.
