US-Iran Talks Set to Begin in Pakistan Amid Regional Tensions
As high-level discussions between the United States and Iran are planned to take place in Pakistan, the country is also seeking to establish ceasefires in Lebanon and Yemen, according to a Pakistani source cited by Reuters on Thursday.
Israel has accused Iran of using proxies in Lebanon and Yemen to launch attacks against it. On Thursday, Israel carried out further airstrikes in Lebanon, raising concerns that these actions could threaten the US-Iran ceasefire. These strikes follow the heaviest Israeli attacks in recent weeks, resulting in over 250 fatalities and putting at risk President Donald Trump’s recently announced truce.
Trump declared a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Iran late Tuesday, just hours before a deadline. He had warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to devastating consequences for Iran.
In preparation for the US-Iran discussions, authorities in Pakistan have tightened security in Islamabad. However, Iran has shown no signs of easing its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has severely disrupted global energy supplies. Ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon remain a major obstacle to progress in the talks.
In the first day of the ceasefire, only one oil tanker and five bulk carriers managed to pass through the strait, an alarming drop from the usual 140 vessels that transited daily prior to the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that he has instructed his cabinet to initiate peace talks with Lebanon, which will include discussions on disarming Hezbollah. He emphasized the importance of establishing peaceful relations with Lebanon in light of its repeated calls for direct negotiations.
Shortly before Netanyahu’s remarks, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun indicated he was pursuing diplomatic channels, which are starting to gain positive attention from the international community. A senior Lebanese official revealed that Lebanon was advocating for a temporary ceasefire as part of a broader dialogue with Israel, describing this effort as parallel to the US-Iran truce.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed his appreciation for the peace efforts initiated by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging Pakistan’s assistance in ending Israeli attacks on Lebanon. During a phone call, Sharif condemned Israel’s actions and expressed sorrow over the significant loss of lives in the region. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting peace in the area, as outlined in his office’s statements.
Israel Claims Ceasefire Excludes Lebanon
Israel has stated that its military operations in Lebanon, which commenced last month, are not included in Trump’s ceasefire agreement. The US has echoed this position, while Iran and Pakistan, acting as mediators, maintain that Lebanon should indeed be part of the truce. Several countries, including the UK and France, have called for the ceasefire to extend to Lebanon.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who is expected to lead the Iranian delegation in discussions with US Vice President JD Vance, emphasized through social media that Lebanon, along with Iran’s regional allies, forms an integral part of any ceasefire arrangement.
