US, Iran to Talk in Pakistan This Week; Israel-Lebanon Talks Thursday
The US and Iran will send negotiators to Pakistan this week before a two-week ceasefire expires Wednesday, amid a US naval blockade and Iranian retaliation threats. Separately, Israel and Lebanon will hold a second round of talks Thursday in Washington to halt hostilities and address Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon.
The United States and Iran indicated on Monday they would send negotiators to peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, this week. This comes before a two-week ceasefire expires early Wednesday morning. Iran initially hesitated to renew talks due to a US naval blockade on its ports but later agreed to send its team on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump warned that «lots of bombs» would deploy if a deal is not secured by the ceasefire's end, stating an extension is «highly unlikely» without an agreement and the Strait of Hormuz blockade would remain.
Tehran had vowed retaliation after US marines seized an Iranian cargo ship attempting to run the blockade. The US military fired on the Iranian-flagged ship headed to Bandar Abbas port on Sunday after a six-hour standoff, disabling its engines. Since the blockade began, 27 vessels have been directed to turn around. A senior Iranian source stated the blockade undermines talks, and differences over Iran’s nuclear program and «defensive capabilities,» including its missile program, are not negotiable. Iran is ready to confront the US after its «aggression.» Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Israel «had not finished the job» in Iran, vowing to defend humanity.
Separately, the second round of Israel-Lebanon talks is scheduled for Thursday in Washington. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said the US is working to extend a 10-day ceasefire announced by Trump. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun clarified these negotiations are distinct from US-Iran talks, aiming to halt hostilities and end Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon. The IDF warned southern Lebanon residents not to move south of a specified line of villages or near the Litani river due to continued Hizbullah activity.
A Lebanese politician, Ali Hassan Khalil, accused Israel on Monday of widespread destruction in 39 southern Lebanese villages, potentially constituting a war crime. Lebanese official media reported an Israeli strike hit a town near the Litani river in Qaqaiyat al-Jisr on Monday, with no immediate casualties. Netanyahu also expressed regret and promised criminal charges after an Israeli soldier was filmed smashing a statue of Jesus in a Christian village in south Lebanon.