A second round of talks between Israel and Lebanon was set to begin in Washington on Thursday, even as the prospect of Iran-United States negotiations in Pakistan appeared uncertain. The Islamic Republic accused the U.S. of a "lack of good faith" in diplomatic efforts.
The standoff between Iran and the U.S. has effectively halted nearly all exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which 20% of the world's oil trade passes. There is no immediate resolution in sight.
Planned Talks in Pakistan Stalled
A second round of talks hosted by Pakistan was planned, but U.S. Vice President JD Vance's scheduled trip to Islamabad was canceled after Iran rebuffed efforts to restart discussions. The delay occurred because Tehran did not confirm when it would send its delegation.
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed hope for "positive progress" from Iran after meeting with U.S. Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad. The meeting focused on diplomatic efforts related to the ceasefire talks. Naqvi stated that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir were working "at every level" to support a peaceful settlement and urged all sides to give diplomacy a chance.
Naqvi praised U.S. President Donald Trump for extending the ceasefire, calling it a welcome step toward de-escalation. Baker acknowledged Pakistan's "constructive role" in promoting peace.
Attacks in Southern Lebanon
Three separate Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have killed at least six people and wounded others, according to authorities. Israel denied responsibility for one of the attacks and did not immediately comment on the others. These attacks occurred as Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors prepared for a new meeting in the U.S. to extend a 10-day ceasefire that began last week.
Iran Executes Opposition Member
Iran announced on Thursday that it had executed another member of the exiled opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK). The individual was identified as Soltanali Shirzadi Fakhr by Iran's Mizan news agency. He was accused of cooperating with the Israeli intelligence service Mossad, though no specific evidence was provided. The timing and location of his arrest were not disclosed.
Iran has frequently accused those executed during the war of having links to Israel. Activists allege that Iran conducts capital cases behind closed doors, relies on coerced confessions, and prevents defendants from properly challenging evidence. This execution brings the total number of MEK members executed since the start of the war to nine.
