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As a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran nears its expiration, diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked over the blockade of Iranian ports and the scope of any lasting deal. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Lebanon continue despite a separate truce, complicating regional stability. Fresh negotiations are planned in Pakistan, but Tehran insists on guarantees and an end to aggression before talks can progress.
In a France 24 interview, Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salamé described negotiations with Israel as essential for Lebanon's stability, dignity, and full sovereignty. Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Farès Boueiz cautioned that the talks are exploratory and face fundamental differences, with Lebanon seeking a ceasefire and Israel pushing for normalization.
US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad ended without a major breakthrough, leaving both sides far apart on key issues like Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. While a two-week truce holds, talks may continue amid mutual mistrust and mixed signals from Washington and Tehran.
Cuba confirmed that it held talks with US officials in Havana on April 10, with the Cuban government prioritizing the end of the US oil blockade. The US delegation pressed for political reforms and the release of prisoners, while also proposing the introduction of Starlink internet terminals.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said planned negotiations with Israel aim to end hostilities and secure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, even as Hezbollah strongly opposes the talks. The comments come amid ongoing ceasefire efforts and a severe humanitarian crisis that has displaced more than a million people.
Argentine President Javier Milei received Israel's Presidential Medal of Honor from President Isaac Herzog during a visit coinciding with Israel's 78th Independence Day. Milei also reiterated plans to move Argentina's embassy to Jerusalem and announced direct flights between the two countries. The visit underscored his strong alignment with Israel amid regional tensions.
A joint EU-UN assessment estimates that Gaza will require $71.4 billion over the next decade for recovery and reconstruction, with human development set back by 77 years. The report highlights the devastation across housing, health, education, and infrastructure, and underscores the need for a Palestinian-led recovery process.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and diplomatic resolution as US-Iran talks get underway in Islamabad, while pressing for the ceasefire to be extended to Lebanon. Macron also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, agreeing to stay in close contact to ease regional tensions.
Analysts and editors examine the challenges in direct Israeli-Lebanese negotiations brokered by the US, focusing on Hezbollah's role as both a Lebanese sovereignty issue and an Israeli security threat. The talks, held in Washington in mid-April, highlight a 'language gap' between the parties and raise questions about the feasibility of disarmament and broader security arrangements.
A viral image of an Israeli soldier striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon has drawn international condemnation, including from some of Donald Trump's former allies. The Israeli military has confirmed the photo's authenticity and launched an investigation, while officials apologized for the incident.
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, effective April 17, has been accompanied by reports of Israeli artillery fire and destruction in dozens of settlements. Lebanese officials accuse Israel of violations and war crimes, while the Israeli military warns residents against returning to certain areas.
US Vice President JD Vance was reported to be heading to Pakistan for talks with Iran, but conflicting reports emerged about the trip's status. Iran has yet to confirm participation in the second round of negotiations, and the White House has indicated the visit may be postponed.
Iran has accused the US of violating a ceasefire after American naval forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran condemned the operation as 'armed piracy' and vowed retaliation, while Washington said the ship was attempting to breach a blockade. The incident threatens to upend ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Mixed signals from Tehran and new tensions between US and Iranian officials have cast doubt over a second round of direct negotiations in Islamabad. Iran says it has yet to decide whether to attend, while US officials have announced a delegation is headed to Pakistan, creating a fraught atmosphere around the fragile ceasefire.
Iran is demanding the United States significantly ease sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen assets amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, according to multiple reports. The details of the demands remain under-reported, highlighting the fragility of the talks.
As Iran declares full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, its top adviser warns of a 'chain-reaction' response in other critical shipping lanes, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Such a move would sever Saudi Arabia's only remaining oil export route, escalating an already severe energy crisis. The IMF warns that reduced traffic in these waterways may become the 'new reality' with global economic consequences.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military has been instructed to use 'full force' in Lebanon, even during the ceasefire, if soldiers face any threat. The decision follows the killing of an Israeli soldier and comes amid ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.
As day 41 of the Middle East war closes, Iran threatens retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon amid confusion over the ceasefire's scope. The US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is drawing international criticism, while talks between Israel and Lebanon begin in Washington.
The Israeli military confirmed that one of its soldiers smashed a statue of Jesus in the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon, prompting condemnation from Israeli leaders and Christian authorities. The soldier will be removed from combat duty and face 30 days of military detention, as the IDF works to restore the statue and address the incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a 45-minute phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to advancing regional peace. Iran confirmed participation in Pakistan-offered talks with the US, though Washington has not yet confirmed its involvement.