{"id":12239,"date":"2026-04-25T05:19:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T05:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/2026\/04\/25\/live-updates-trump-to-send-envoys-witkoff-and-kushner-to-pakistan-for-talks-with-iran-foreign-minister-ap-news\/"},"modified":"2026-04-25T05:19:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T05:19:20","slug":"live-updates-trump-to-send-envoys-witkoff-and-kushner-to-pakistan-for-talks-with-iran-foreign-minister-ap-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/2026\/04\/25\/live-updates-trump-to-send-envoys-witkoff-and-kushner-to-pakistan-for-talks-with-iran-foreign-minister-ap-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Live updates: Trump to send envoys Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for talks with Iran foreign minister &#8211; AP News"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-module data-gtm-region=\"Major developments we're monitoring: U.S. President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan on Saturday to continue talks with Iran, the White House said Friday. Shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi touched down in Pakistan, his government made it clear that there would be no direct negotiations with American government representatives during this visit. Vice President JD Vance would be on stand-by to travel, the White House said. Trump said Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah by three weeks after talks at the White House. The meeting was the second high-level negotiation between the two countries since last week. The initial 10-day ceasefire, which took effect last Friday, had been due to expire Monday. The Trump administration is placing economic sanctions on a major China-based oil refinery and roughly 40 shipping companies and tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil. The move, announced Friday, actualizes the administration\u2019s threat to impose secondary sanctions on entities that do business with Iran, an effort to cut off Iran\u2019s key source of revenue \u2014 its oil exports. Airlines worldwide have begun canceling flights as the war in the Middle East strains jet fuel supplies and pushes up prices \u2014 but the disruption doesn\u2019t end there. Here's what to know if your flight is cancelled.\" data-align-center id=\"blogBody\">\n<p><b>Major developments we\u2019re monitoring:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul id=\"rte-55d88242-3fe1-11f1-8f93-6b1e1103c207\">\n<li>U.S. President Donald Trump is <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/us-iran-war-hormuz-israel-pakistan-ceasefire-april-24-2026-313e19ff213738620abe31c96eb38368\"><b>sending his envoys<\/b><\/a><\/span><b> Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan on Saturday to continue talks with Iran<\/b>, the White House said Friday. Shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi touched down in Pakistan, his government made it clear that there would be no direct negotiations with American government representatives during this visit. Vice President JD Vance would be on stand-by to travel, the White House said.<\/li>\n<li>Trump said Thursday that <b>Israel and Lebanon have<\/b><span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-us-talks-ceasefire-washington-e7f26e207fc7543fe1f25a5318ff9ce3\"><b> <u>agreed to extend a ceasefire<\/u><\/b><\/a><\/span> between Israel and Hezbollah <b>by three weeks<\/b> after talks at the White House. The meeting was the<span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/lebanon-israel-us-war-hezbollah-negotiations-28b207b800de1804d8c2ab5242237542\"> <u>second high-level negotiation<\/u><\/a><\/span> between the two countries since last week. The initial 10-day ceasefire, which took effect last Friday, <b>had been<\/b><span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-ceasefire-iran-trump-explain-35f32a4baffcc542b618d2d3fc2b7428\"><b> <u>due to expire Monday<\/u><\/b><\/a><\/span><b>.<\/b> <\/li>\n<li>The Trump administration is placing<b> <\/b><span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/live\/iran-war-israel-trump-04-24-2026#0000019d-c0b0-d468-a3df-d5fc92110000\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>economic sanctions<\/b><\/a><\/span><b> on a major China-based oil refinery<\/b> and roughly 40 shipping companies and tankers<b> involved in transporting Iranian oil. <\/b>The move, announced Friday, actualizes the administration\u2019s <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/trump-treasury-bessent-iran-sanctions-f45619d7ea3050bd4b1cdd9c3881ca2b\"><u>threat to impose secondary sanctions<\/u><\/a><\/span> on entities that do business with Iran, <b>an effort to cut off Iran\u2019s key source of revenue \u2014 its oil exports.<\/b><\/li>\n<li><span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/jet-fuel-flight-cancellations-airlines-42a4c548b23f9dec02ff3f5771f7b4c3\"><u>Airlines worldwide<\/u><\/a><\/span> have begun canceling flights as the war in the Middle East<span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/iran-war-europe-jet-fuel-flight-cancellations-birol-6e67fafd493861b3858de5548aa77703\"><u> strains jet fuel supplies<\/u><\/a><\/span> and pushes up prices \u2014 but the disruption doesn\u2019t end there.<span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/jet-fuel-flight-canceled-refund-passenger-rights-8fcae5bc8b618ca5b952e91e0672cea3\"> <b><u>Here\u2019s what to know if your flight is cancelled.<\/u><\/b><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\">                      <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"US says detained Kuwaiti-American journalist has been released by Kuwait\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c22d-d3c1-adfd-fb7d04240000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777079454530\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c22d-d3c1-adfd-fb7d04240000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             US says detained Kuwaiti-American journalist has been released by Kuwait         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The State Department says a detained Kuwaiti-American journalist who was arrested in Kuwait has been released after intervention by the Trump administration.<\/p>\n<p>The department said late Friday that Ahmed Shihab-Eldin had been freed and allowed to leave Kuwait. It offered no other details, citing privacy concerns.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Iran says no direct talks with US in Islamabad are planned\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c1a0-d3c1-adfd-fbf4bff00000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777072114477\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c1a0-d3c1-adfd-fbf4bff00000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Iran says no direct talks with US in Islamabad are planned         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi touched down in Pakistan, his government made it clear that there would be no direct negotiations with American government representatives during this visit.<\/p>\n<p>Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmael Baqaei said on X that \u201cNo meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S.\u201d Instead, Baqaei said Pakistani officials would convey messages between the delegations. <\/p>\n<p>Baqaei thanked the Pakistani government for its \u201congoing mediation &#038; good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The White House said earlier Friday that its envoys would meet Araghchi.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Iranians have long sought work and relative stability in Turkey. The war could force some to return\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c129-d0c5-abff-e36b57f00000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777070029730\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c129-d0c5-abff-e36b57f00000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Iranians have long sought work and relative stability in Turkey. The war could force some to return         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Sadri Haghshenas spends her days selling borek \u2014 a layered, savory pastry \u2014 at a shop in Istanbul, but her mind is on her daughter in Tehran.<\/p>\n<p>The family had to send her home to Iran after they ran into difficulties renewing her visa, despite fears that a shaky ceasefire <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/iran\">could soon collapse<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>For years, short-term residency permits have allowed tens of thousands of Iranians to pursue economic opportunities and enjoy relative stability in neighboring Turkey. But it\u2019s a precarious situation, and the war has raised the stakes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI swear, I cry every day,\u201d Haghshenas said, raising her hands from behind the counter of the pastry shop. \u201cThere is no life in my country, there is no life here, what shall I do?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u25b6 <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/iran-war-turkey-migration-d5a32bc8f4694ad365b505ebbd471a90\"><i>Read more<\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Bessent rules out renewal of Iranian and Russian oil waivers\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c152-d8eb-addd-f55a61b00000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777068621586\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c152-d8eb-addd-f55a61b00000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Bessent rules out renewal of Iranian and Russian oil waivers         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday that the U.S. does not plan to renew a waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products that are currently at sea. He also said a renewal of a one-time waiver for Iranian oil at sea is totally off the table.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot the Iranians,\u201d Bessent told The Associated Press. \u201cWe have the blockade, and there\u2019s no oil coming out.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In an AP interview about the impact of the war on the global energy market and other topics, Bessent also said he had no plans to extend the sanctions relief for Russia. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wouldn\u2019t imagine that we\u2019d have another extension. I think the Russian oil on the water has been largely sucked up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad for talks on reviving ceasefire negotiations\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c0cc-df6c-a3bd-dbcfa42e0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777056637957\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c0cc-df6c-a3bd-dbcfa42e0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad for talks on reviving ceasefire negotiations         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<div data-align-center>                      <bsp-figure>     <\/p>\n<figure data-openoverlay>              <a id=\"image-6b0000\"><\/a>                                      <picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\"  ><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\"  ><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\"  ><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\"  ><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\"  ><source width=\"599\" height=\"399\"  ><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"In this photo provided by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, center, is greeted by Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, second right, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, third left, upon his arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Friday, April 24, 2026. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP)\"   fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/9d5badc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2239x1493+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fdb%2F4b%2Fef1d9ca242e8b0b23637d6344e14%2Fap26114701501096.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\"> <\/picture>\n<div><bsp-read-more data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption>\n<p>In this photo provided by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, center, is greeted by Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, second right, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, third left, upon his arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Friday, April 24, 2026. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>          <template data-bsp-figure-overlay-template>                  <\/p>\n<div data-slidenumber=\"0\" data-slidescount=\"1\">                         <bsp-carousel-read-more data-show-less data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-id data-less-id>                             <\/p>\n<p>In this photo provided by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, center, is greeted by Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, second right, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, third left, upon his arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Friday, April 24, 2026. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP)<\/p>\n<p>                         <\/bsp-carousel-read-more>                     <\/div>\n<p>     <\/template>      <\/bsp-figure>                  <\/div>\n<p>Pakistan\u2019s Foreign Ministry said an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday.<\/p>\n<p>Araghchi was received by Pakistan\u2019s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior officials upon arrival.<\/p>\n<p>In a statement, it said during the visit Araghchi is expected to meet Pakistan\u2019s senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments and ongoing efforts to promote regional peace and stability.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"JUST IN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad for talks on reviving ceasefire negotiations\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c0ba-daa9-a19f-c6bb80740000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777056106077\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c0ba-daa9-a19f-c6bb80740000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             JUST IN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad for talks on reviving ceasefire negotiations         <\/h2>\n<p>                                        <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"US imposes sanctions on a China-based oil refinery and 40 shippers over Iranian oil\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c0b0-d468-a3df-d5fc92110000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777054828769\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c0b0-d468-a3df-d5fc92110000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             US imposes sanctions on a China-based oil refinery and 40 shippers over Iranian oil         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The Trump administration is placing economic sanctions on a major China-based oil refinery and roughly 40 shipping companies and tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil.<\/p>\n<p>The move, announced Friday and first reported by The Associated Press, makes good on the Trump administration\u2019s <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/trump-treasury-bessent-iran-sanctions-f45619d7ea3050bd4b1cdd9c3881ca2b\">threat to impose secondary sanctions<\/a><\/span> on companies and countries that do business with Iran. It\u2019s also part of the Republican administration\u2019s overall ramped-up campaign to cut off Iran\u2019s key source of revenue \u2014 its oil exports.<\/p>\n<p>Concurrently, the U.S. this month imposed a physical blockade on <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/strait%20of%20hormuz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Strait of Hormuz<\/a><\/span>, the Persian Gulf waterway that is crucial to global energy supplies.<\/p>\n<p>These sanctions come just a few weeks before President Donald Trump and China\u2019s Xi Jinping are due to meet in China.<\/p>\n<p>\u25b6 <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/treasury-bessent-sanctions-china-iran-oil-12a02b5ba394cbcab355d645bfe9cdf7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Read more<\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"JUST IN: US imposes sanctions on China-based oil refinery and dozens of firms and tankers accused of shipping Iranian oil\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c08c-d468-a3df-d5cc5e030000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777054288204\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c08c-d468-a3df-d5cc5e030000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             JUST IN: US imposes sanctions on China-based oil refinery and dozens of firms and tankers accused of shipping Iranian oil         <\/h2>\n<p>                                        <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Israeli strikes kill at least 11 in Gaza, health officials say\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c089-d837-a3dd-eeef215c0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777051916300\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c089-d837-a3dd-eeef215c0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Israeli strikes kill at least 11 in Gaza, health officials say         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Among those killed in three separate Israeli strikes on Friday across Gaza were a woman and a child, health officials said.<\/p>\n<p>An afternoon drone strike near a police checkpoint in northwestern Gaza City killed two Palestinians and wounded two others, according to officials at Shifa hospital.<\/p>\n<p>The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, saying that it targeted \u201cterrorists\u201d without providing evidence or further details.<\/p>\n<p>In the evening, another strike targeted a police vehicle in southern Gaza, killing at least seven, according to officials at Nasser hospital. A third strike in northern Gaza killed a woman and a child, health officials at Shifa hospital said.<\/p>\n<p>The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the evening strikes.<\/p>\n<p>Deadly Israeli strikes are a near-daily threat in Gaza, where more than 790 Palestinians have been killed despite a ceasefire with Hamas since October, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Leavitt says Vance is willing to go to Pakistan \u2018if we feel it\u2019s a necessary use of his time\u2019\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c087-db4a-a99d-cf8771250000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777051703299\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c087-db4a-a99d-cf8771250000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Leavitt says Vance is willing to go to Pakistan \u2018if we feel it\u2019s a necessary use of his time\u2019         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Leavitt told reporters the president decided to send Witkoff and Kushner \u201cto hear the Iranians out.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve certainly seen some progress from the Iranian side in the last couple of days,\u201d Leavitt said. She did not offer any details about what U.S. officials were hearing.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Witkoff and Kushner dispatched to Pakistan for new talks with Iranian foreign minister\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c07b-d934-a5bd-fa7b1f1e0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777050908807\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c07b-d934-a5bd-fa7b1f1e0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Witkoff and Kushner dispatched to Pakistan for new talks with Iranian foreign minister         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan on Saturday to continue talks with Iran, the White House said Friday.<\/p>\n<p>White House press secretary Karolien Leavitt said in an interview on Fox News Channel that the two will have talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward to a deal,\u201d Leavitt said.<\/p>\n<p>She said that Vice President JD Vance would not be traveling but that he remains \u201cdeeply involved.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Leavitt said he will be in the U.S., along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the president\u2019s national security team, on \u201cstandby\u201d to fly to Pakistan \u201cif necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"JUST IN: White House says Trump dispatching Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for new talks with Iranian foreign minister\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c079-d8f5-a19f-e77f6bde0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777050786005\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c079-d8f5-a19f-e77f6bde0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             JUST IN: White House says Trump dispatching Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for new talks with Iranian foreign minister         <\/h2>\n<p>                                        <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Lebanon\u2019s health ministry raises death toll to 2,491\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c036-d837-a3dd-eeff9d8d0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777048405890\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c036-d837-a3dd-eeff9d8d0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Lebanon\u2019s health ministry raises death toll to 2,491         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The ministry included figures released Friday that 7,719 people were wounded in the latest Israel-Hezbollah war that broke out March 2.<\/p>\n<p>It was the first time the ministry has released new figures since April 17, when a ceasefire went into effect.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the ceasefire, the death toll rose by 197 in one week because bodies were apparently recovered from areas that previously had been out of reach.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Israel\u2019s Benjamin Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer and is now healthy\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c02b-d468-a3df-d56f425c0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777046813109\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c02b-d468-a3df-d56f425c0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Israel\u2019s Benjamin Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer and is now healthy         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>It\u2019s his first public acknowledgment of the diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p>He said that roughly a year and a half ago he had prostate surgery. Then two and a half months ago, his doctors discovered and treated a small tumor at Jerusalem\u2019s Hadassah Hospital with radiation therapy. That was not announced at the time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI requested to delay its publication by two months so that it would not be released at the height of the war\u201d against Iran, the 76-year-old Israeli leader said, to prevent \u201cmore false propaganda against Israel.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He said he was healthy and called the tumor a \u201cminor medical issue.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Netanyahu\u2019s health was the subject of speculation during the early weeks of the <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/iran\">war with Iran<\/a><\/span> as fake, AI-generated images circulated suggesting he had died, including on Iranian state media.<\/p>\n<p>\u25b6 <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/israel-netanyahu-prostate-cancer-84f65e369ec803694555baaf5f4f8f8f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Read more<\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Businesses dole out up to $4 million to cross Panama Canal during Strait of Hormuz chokehold\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c022-dbb7-a79f-d1b604f60000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777045429267\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c022-dbb7-a79f-d1b604f60000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Businesses dole out up to $4 million to cross Panama Canal during Strait of Hormuz chokehold         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>That\u2019s according to the Panama Canal Authority.<\/p>\n<p>While passage through the waterway usually comes at a flat rate via reservations, companies without reservations can cross by paying an additional fee in an auction for slots, which are awarded to the highest bidder rather than waiting for days off the coast of Panama City.<\/p>\n<p>That price has ballooned in recent weeks as Iran and the United States have bottlenecked the key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, and demand for those slots has skyrocketed. Ships have increasingly traveled through the Panama Canal as shipments are rerouted and buyers purchase from other countries to avoid commerce through the now-treacherous Middle Eastern waterway.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith all the bombings, the missiles, the drones &#8230; companies are saying it\u2019s safer and less expensive to cross through the Panama Canal,\u201d said Rodrigo Noriega, a lawyer and analyst in Panama City. \u201cAll of this is affecting global supply chains.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u25b6 <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/panama-canal-trade-strait-of-hormuz-iran-war-middle-east-shipment-d6a2aa2a21f29bfdf313182e753e1c41\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Read more<\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Netanyahu says Israel and the US are operating in \u2018full cooperation\u2019 on Iran\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c015-dbb7-a79f-d1b74f980000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777044883212\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c015-dbb7-a79f-d1b74f980000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Netanyahu says Israel and the US are operating in \u2018full cooperation\u2019 on Iran         <\/h2>\n<p>\u201cThe same is true in Lebanon: We have begun a process to achieve a historic peace between Israel and Lebanon, and it is clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage this,\u201d Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday in a video statement released by his office. He was referring to direct negotiations underway between the two countries \u2014 which don\u2019t have formal diplomatic relations \u2014 for the first time in decades.<\/p>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Israel says it struck Hezbollah sites after rocket fire from Lebanon\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c012-daa9-a19f-c6bb3de90000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777044102618\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c012-daa9-a19f-c6bb3de90000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Israel says it struck Hezbollah sites after rocket fire from Lebanon         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The Israeli military said it hit sites from which rockets were launched toward the town of Shtula a day earlier.<\/p>\n<p>The strikes targeted the town of Deir Aames, which is outside the border area in Lebanon that Israeli forces have declared a buffer zone and continued to occupy since a 10-day truce was implemented last week. Earlier Friday, the Israeli military issued a warning for residents of Deir Aames to leave.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a three-week extension to the Israel-Hezbollah truce, but both sides have continued to fire at each other.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says meeting in Saudi Arabia was productive\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-c009-db4a-a99d-cf8d941d0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777043910166\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-c009-db4a-a99d-cf8d941d0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says meeting in Saudi Arabia was productive         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>In a Telegram post Friday, Zelenskyy said his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was productive and that both countries are developing a strategic security agreement.<\/p>\n<p>The agreement includes three elements, he said: exporting Ukraine\u2019s defense expertise and capabilities, expanding energy cooperation, and strengthening food security.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are working together to strengthen our nations and partners. We have defined tasks for our teams and I expect their prompt and full implementation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Saudi Arabia, along with other Mideast countries, has been targeted by missile and drone attacks from Iran since the war began.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Iran\u2019s top diplomat says purpose of tour is to consult on regional developments\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bff3-db4a-a99d-fff7bdad0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777042624033\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bff3-db4a-a99d-fff7bdad0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Iran\u2019s top diplomat says purpose of tour is to consult on regional developments         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<div data-align-center>                      <bsp-figure>     <\/p>\n<figure data-openoverlay>              <a id=\"image-a40000\"><\/a>                                      <picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\"  ><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\"  ><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\"  ><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\"  ><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\"  ><source width=\"599\" height=\"399\"  ><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"FILE - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaks during a bilateral meeting between Switzerland and Iran, in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 17, 2026 (Cyril Zingaro\/Keystone via AP, File)\"   fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f6d399a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5713x3809+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F83%2F24%2F5e1bac274bc287625359bb3ff633%2Fap26114514943622.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\"> <\/picture>\n<div><bsp-read-more data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption>\n<p>FILE &#8211; Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaks during a bilateral meeting between Switzerland and Iran, in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 17, 2026 (Cyril Zingaro\/Keystone via AP, File)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>          <template data-bsp-figure-overlay-template>                  <\/p>\n<div data-slidenumber=\"0\" data-slidescount=\"1\">                         <bsp-carousel-read-more data-show-less data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-id data-less-id>                             <\/p>\n<p>FILE &#8211; Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaks during a bilateral meeting between Switzerland and Iran, in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 17, 2026 (Cyril Zingaro\/Keystone via AP, File)<\/p>\n<p>                         <\/bsp-carousel-read-more>                     <\/div>\n<p>     <\/template>      <\/bsp-figure>                  <\/div>\n<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a social media post that the purpose of his upcoming tour to Islamabad, Pakistan; Muscat, Oman; and Moscow is to \u201cclosely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Araghchi\u2019s comments didn\u2019t address any possible resumption of talks with the U.S., but Pakistani officials have been intensifying efforts in recent weeks to get the U.S. and Iran to a second round of ceasefire negotiations.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Hezbollah legislator says extension of ceasefire is \u2018meaningless\u2019\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bfd5-d0c5-abff-ffdf4c980000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777041901295\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bfd5-d0c5-abff-ffdf4c980000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Hezbollah legislator says extension of ceasefire is \u2018meaningless\u2019         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Ali Fayyadh said in comments Friday that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that was extended for three weeks the day before has no meaning as long as Israel continues its attacks, targeted killings and strikes on Lebanese villages.<\/p>\n<p>Since the 10-day ceasefire went into effect last Friday it has been repeatedly violated by both sides.<\/p>\n<p>Fayyadh said every Israeli attack against any Lebanese target, regardless of its nature, gives his group that right to respond appropriately.<\/p>\n<p>He added that any ceasefire that doesn\u2019t constitute a prelude to an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory affirms the Lebanese people\u2019s \u201cinalienable and final right to resist\u201d the occupation and expel it from our land in order to restore full Lebanese sovereignty.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Lebanon\u2019s president calls on European Union to hold conference for reconstruction of his country\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bfcb-dbb7-a79f-ffff6beb0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777039573742\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bfcb-dbb7-a79f-ffff6beb0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Lebanon\u2019s president calls on European Union to hold conference for reconstruction of his country         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>President Joseph Aoun\u2019s comments Friday came during a visit to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus where he\u2019s a guest at the European Union summit.<\/p>\n<p>Aoun said in a speech that \u201cLebanon\u2019s stability is part of the region\u2019s stability.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He added that Lebanon refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts. He was apparently referring to Iran, which has put a permanent ceasefire between Israel and the militant Hezbollah group on top of its list in talks with the U.S..<\/p>\n<p>Aoun said Lebanon, like other countries in the region, \u201cplaces great importance on de-escalation, stability, and peace.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Aoun used World Bank figures, saying the Israel-Hezbollah was has caused damage worth $1.4 billion to Lebanon\u2019s infrastructure and that 38,000 housing units were destroyed.<\/p>\n<p>He said 150,000 people in Lebanon are without homes.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"US protected ships from Iran in Strait of Hormuz during \u2018Tanker war\u2019 in the \u201880s. Could it again?\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bfbb-d44a-a79d-ffffc8a50000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777039262023\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bfbb-d44a-a79d-ffffc8a50000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             US protected ships from Iran in Strait of Hormuz during \u2018Tanker war\u2019 in the \u201880s. Could it again?         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Today, offering escorts in the Strait of Hormuz wouldn\u2019t be so easy. Military technology has advanced since the \u201cTanker war.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. hasn\u2019t defined the same clear, narrow goals in this war as it did in the 1980s. And it\u2019s not clear <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/us-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-oil-tankers-b8b1d607583f88334bf10489cc4b63a2\">international shippers would feel safe<\/a><\/span> even with an American Navy escort given it\u2019s a combatant now.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. Navy has long been familiar with the small boat tactics deployed by Iran\u2019s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which has adapted to international sanctions blocking its ability to access military vessels by using smaller civilian ships for military purposes.<\/p>\n<p>For years, the Guard has used vessels the size of small commercial fishing boats to shadow American aircraft carriers whenever they pass through the strait. Instead of bearing fishing poles, most have Soviet-era heavy machine guns bolted to their bows with a small rocket launcher atop.<\/p>\n<p>Using those small boats, Iran seized two cargo ships this week.<\/p>\n<p>\u25b6 <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/iran-strait-hormuz-closed-us-military-analysis-5df204d8321e76cfad30c4329eb8d1ac\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Read more<\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"A surge for Intel sends tech stocks higher on Wall Street and crude oil prices swing some more\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bfa8-d44a-a79d-ffec4c7e0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777038235382\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bfa8-d44a-a79d-ffec4c7e0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             A surge for Intel sends tech stocks higher on Wall Street and crude oil prices swing some more         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>A surge for Intel following a blowout profit report is leading technology stocks higher, while oil prices keep swinging in the wait for what\u2019s next with the Iran war.<\/p>\n<p>The S&#038;P 500 rose 0.2% early Friday and pulled near its all-time high set Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 74 points, while the Nasdaq composite jumped a market-leading 0.7%.<\/p>\n<p>The price for a barrel of Brent crude to be delivered in June was down 0.4% at $104.67 after yo-yoing between roughly $103 and $107.<\/p>\n<p>European stock markets were modestly lower and Asian markets closed mixed.<\/p>\n<p>\u25b6 <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/stock-markets-trump-iran-oil-75bd462d6795062bed788709d647dc68\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Read more<\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Pakistan\u2019s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bfa5-d8f5-a19f-ffe70bd80000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777036956588\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bfa5-d8f5-a19f-ffe70bd80000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Pakistan\u2019s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>In a statement in Islamabad, the foreign ministry said Lavrov appreciated Pakistan\u2019s \u201cconstructive role\u201d in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States.<\/p>\n<p>Dar reaffirmed Islamabad\u2019s commitment to supporting efforts that promote dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes, it said.<\/p>\n<p>Both sides agreed to remain in contact, it added.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Israeli military confirms a drone downed over Lebanon\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf9e-d370-afff-ffbe69f20000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777036563418\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf9e-d370-afff-ffbe69f20000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Israeli military confirms a drone downed over Lebanon         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The army said in a statement Friday that a remotely piloted aircraft was downed in southern Lebanon following the launch of a small surface-to-air missile by the militant group Hezbollah.<\/p>\n<p>The military said the incident is under review.<\/p>\n<p>The statement came after Hezbollah said it shot down an Israeli Hermes 450 drone over the outskirts of the southern city of Tyre.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Malaysia in talks with Iran to let two tankers pass\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf9a-dd93-a5ff-ffded33e0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777036319778\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf9a-dd93-a5ff-ffded33e0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Malaysia in talks with Iran to let two tankers pass         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Friday that his government is in talks with Iran to allow two Malaysian-owned tankers carrying fuel supplies to pass through.<\/p>\n<p>The vessels have exited the Strait of Hormuz but face severe restrictions despite earlier clearance given by the Iranian government, he was cited as saying by the national Bernama news agency. He didn\u2019t provide further details.<\/p>\n<p>One Malaysian vessel has earlier reached home and another is expected to enter Malaysian waters soon, he said. Another is stranded at port due to technical problems, he added.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Hegseth says any new Iranian mine laying would violate the ceasefire with the US\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf97-d468-a3df-ffdf49ad0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777036076837\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf97-d468-a3df-ffdf49ad0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Hegseth says any new Iranian mine laying would violate the ceasefire with the US         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon on Friday that the military is prepared to deal with any Iranian ships that \u201crecklessly and irresponsibly\u201d lay more mines.<\/p>\n<p>But he said he wouldn\u2019t speculate on reports that it will likely take six months to clear mines in the strait. The Associated Press reported that the Pentagon gave that timeline in a classified briefing to lawmakers this week.<\/p>\n<p>Hegseth was responding to statements from President Trump who said Thursday that he has ordered the military to \u201c<span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/us-iran-war-hormuz-israel-pakistan-ceasefire-april-23-2026-368b922ae2f4c874df8a133491eeffe8\">shoot and kill<\/a><\/span>\u201d small Iranian boats deploying mines.<\/p>\n<p>Hegseth said the U.S. is confident it can clear any mines it identifies \u201cand would encourage other countries to be a part of such an effort as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"White House didn\u2019t immediately respond to questions on Iran\u2019s foreign minister going to Pakistan\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf90-d3c1-adfd-ffd4c0fb0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777035844302\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf90-d3c1-adfd-ffd4c0fb0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             White House didn\u2019t immediately respond to questions on Iran\u2019s foreign minister going to Pakistan         <\/h2>\n<p>And it didn\u2019t respond to questions on whether the U.S. would send a delegation.<\/p>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Crews of seized tankers remain in US custody\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf7c-d468-a3df-ff7c034c0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777035415230\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf7c-d468-a3df-ff7c034c0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Crews of seized tankers remain in US custody         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The crews of all three merchant vessels seized by the U.S. military over the past week are still in U.S. custody, Gen. Dan Caine said at a briefing Friday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe will continue to conduct similar maritime interdiction actions and activities in the Pacific and Indian Oceans against Iranian ships and vessels of the Dark Fleet,\u201d Caine said.<\/p>\n<p>Caine also said the crew of the Tousca, the first merchant ship seized by U.S. forces Sunday, \u201crepeatedly ignored U.S. warnings\u201d over a six-hour period. Caine said this behavior prompted the crew of the Navy destroyer following the ship to fire five warning shots.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe vessel and her crew continued to ignore warnings and, after exhausting all other measures, CENTCOM authorized disabling fire against the Tousca,\u201d Caine said. Then, according to Caine, the destroyer disabled the ship\u2019s engine by firing nine inert rounds from the destroyer\u2019s 5-inch guns \u201cprecisely into the engine room and engine space on board the Tousca.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot surprisingly, the vessel then reported issues with their engine, went dead in the water and began to comply with U.S. directions,\u201d Caine added.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Hegseth criticizes European allies for inaction on the Strait of Hormuz\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf88-d3c1-adfd-ffdcf3ea0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777035228368\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf88-d3c1-adfd-ffdcf3ea0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Hegseth criticizes European allies for inaction on the Strait of Hormuz         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The U.S. secretary of defense suggested traditional U.S. allies in Europe are \u201cfreeriding\u201d and being disloyal by not using their own forces to open the Strait of Hormuz that\u2019s been closed because of President Trump\u2019s Iran war.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are not counting on Europe, but they need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do,\u201d Hegseth insisted. He mocked a recent European confab, saying U.S. allies \u201cmight want to start doing less talking\u201d instead of holding \u201ca fancy conference\u201d and \u201ca silly conference.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Iran\u2019s maneuver to choke off the strait has disrupted global energy supplies \u2014 especially in Europe, where many leaders remain frustrated. French President Emmanuel Macron said at one point that the U.S. can\u2019t <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nato-trump-iran-israel-war-hormuz-eu-4674aca45519c441fc42beac482180bc\">complain about a lack of support<\/a><\/span> \u201cin an operation they chose to undertake alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hegseth\u2019s broadsides echo Trump\u2019s swipes that other nations should \u201cGo get your own oil!\u201d and \u201cstart learning how to fight for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Iran\u2019s state-run IRNA news agency confirms Iranian foreign minister heading to Pakistan for talks\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf81-d660-a3ff-bfa950180000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777034665506\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf81-d660-a3ff-bfa950180000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Iran\u2019s state-run IRNA news agency confirms Iranian foreign minister heading to Pakistan for talks         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>IRNA said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also would go to Oman and Russia.<\/p>\n<p>The trip to Pakistan comes as officials there have been trying to get the United States and Iran to a second round of ceasefire negotiations.<\/p>\n<p>The IRNA report said Araghchi\u2019s trip, beginning Friday, is focused on \u201cbilateral consultations and discussions on ongoing regional developments, as well as the latest situation surrounding the imposed war by the United States and Israel against Iran.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"JUST IN: Iran\u2019s state-run IRNA news agency confirms Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi heading to Pakistan, Oman and Russia\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf7f-daa9-a19f-bfffc57d0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777034410941\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf7f-daa9-a19f-bfffc57d0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             JUST IN: Iran\u2019s state-run IRNA news agency confirms Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi heading to Pakistan, Oman and Russia         <\/h2>\n<p>                                        <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls war in Iran a \u2018gift to the world\u2019\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf79-d837-a3dd-bfff0fe10000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777034055301\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf79-d837-a3dd-bfff0fe10000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls war in Iran a \u2018gift to the world\u2019         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Speaking to reporters Friday at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the U.S. blockade of Iranian shipping will continue \u201cas long as it takes\u201d to accomplish America\u2019s \u201cbold and dangerous\u201d mission to end Iran\u2019s threat to global security.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. officials say that so far the blockade has turned back 34 ships, but ship-tracking data shows Iran has still been to <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/us-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-oil-tankers-b8b1d607583f88334bf10489cc4b63a2\">move some of its sanctioned oil<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Lloyd\u2019s List Intelligence said \u201ca steady flow of shadow fleet traffic\u201d has passed in and out of the Persian Gulf, including 11 tankers with Iranian cargo that have left the Gulf of Oman outside the strait since April 13.<\/p>\n<p>The maritime intelligence firm Windward said this week that Iranian traffic continues to flow \u201cvia deception.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Iranians are able to evade the blockade by faking tracking data and by traveling through Pakistani territorial waters.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Israeli military asks residents of south Lebanon village to evacuate\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf76-d370-afff-ff7e55060000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777033829068\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf76-d370-afff-ff7e55060000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Israeli military asks residents of south Lebanon village to evacuate         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The Israeli army\u2019s statement Friday regarding the village of Deir Aames came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah by three weeks.<\/p>\n<p>The military said the militant group Hezbollah is using Deir Aames to launch attacks against Israel.<\/p>\n<p>The military said residents of the village should move 1,000 meters outside Deir Aames.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Hezbollah says it shot down an Israeli drone\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf70-daa9-a19f-bff942880000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777033674338\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf70-daa9-a19f-bff942880000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Hezbollah says it shot down an Israeli drone         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The group said the Hermes 450 drone was shot down with a surface-to-air missile Friday over the outskirts of southern port city of Tyre.<\/p>\n<p>Hezbollah said it was in retaliation for Israeli violation of Lebanese air space.<\/p>\n<p>There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Pakistan\u2019s prime minister reaffirmed commitment to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf6b-d468-a3df-ff6f3dde0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777033293716\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf6b-d468-a3df-ff6f3dde0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Pakistan\u2019s prime minister reaffirmed commitment to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif\u2019s message Friday came as the world marked the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.<\/p>\n<p>In the message, Sharif said Pakistan remains guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter amid growing global security challenges and will continue to promote diplomacy to advance regional and international peace.<\/p>\n<p>He also highlighted Pakistan\u2019s ongoing mediation efforts, saying they\u2019re rooted in a commitment to cooperation and conflict resolution.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Ukrainian president arrives in Saudi Arabia for a second time to discuss more deals\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf60-df6c-a3bd-bfebd4310000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777032964736\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf60-df6c-a3bd-bfebd4310000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Ukrainian president arrives in Saudi Arabia for a second time to discuss more deals         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday for talks on potential agreements covering energy, infrastructure and security, he said in a post on Telegram.<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy is set to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYesterday, at a meeting with European leaders, we secured financial guarantees for our stability,\u201d Zelenskyy posted, referring to a crucial 90 billion-euro loan approved by European leaders. \u201cToday we are developing agreements with Saudi Arabia in the fields of security, energy and infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The visit is his second trip to Saudi Arabia in a month, following a late-March visit focused on air defense technology.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Trump is extending the Jones Act waiver for 90 days\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf4c-d8f5-a19f-ff4e8deb0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777031298039\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf4c-d8f5-a19f-ff4e8deb0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Trump is extending the Jones Act waiver for 90 days         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The White House said that Trump issued a 90-day extension to the Jones Act waiver, making it easier for non-American vessels to transport oil and natural gas in the wake of the Iran War.<\/p>\n<p>Trump first announced a 60-day waiver in mid-March and the move has been seen as helping to stabilize energy prices and making it easier for more ships to travel to the U.S. following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<p>The post on social media by a White House press aide said: \u201cNew data compiled since the initial waiver was issued revealed that significantly more supply was able to reach U.S. ports faster.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Iran\u2019s top diplomat to go to Pakistan by this weekend\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf47-d8eb-addd-ff4fe5da0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777030956070\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf47-d8eb-addd-ff4fe5da0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Iran\u2019s top diplomat to go to Pakistan by this weekend         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Two Pakistani officials told The Associated Press on Friday about the visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. They declined to provide any other details, other than to say he would be accompanied by a small government delegation and could arrive as soon as Friday.<\/p>\n<p>Pakistan has been trying to restart ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States.<\/p>\n<p>The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"JUST IN: Pakistani officials say Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to Islamabad by this weekend<br \/>&#8221; data-post-id=&#8221;0000019d-bf42-daa9-a19f-bfeb1fa70000&#8243; data-posted-date-timestamp=&#8221;1777030651520&#8243; data-seconds-delta-text=&#8221;sec ago&#8221; data-minutes-delta-text=&#8221;min ago&#8221; data-hours-delta-text=&#8221;h ago&#8221;>              <a id=\"0000019d-bf42-daa9-a19f-bfeb1fa70000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             JUST IN: Pakistani officials say Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to Islamabad by this weekend<br \/>         <\/h2>\n<p>                                        <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Italy replaces crucifix smashed by Israeli soldier in Lebanese Christian village \" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf35-d468-a3df-ff7dd2c90000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777030272860\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf35-d468-a3df-ff7dd2c90000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Italy replaces crucifix smashed by Israeli soldier in Lebanese Christian village          <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The sculpture of Jesus on the cross, in a small shrine in the southern Lebanese village of Debel, had been defaced by an Israeli soldier, drawing widespread condemnation.<\/p>\n<p>Israel\u2019s military said Tuesday that it replaced the sculpture. But Akel Naddaf, head of the municipality of Debel, told The Associated Press Friday that the family whose property the crucifix was on rejected the Israeli military\u2019s offer. <\/p>\n<p>Instead, Naddaf said the destroyed crucifix was replaced by one provided by Italy via its peacekeepers in the United Nations force known as UNIFIL. It was erected in a small ceremony attended by clergy and local residents as well as peacekeepers.<\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s embassy in Lebanon said Thursday that its UNIFIL members replaced the damaged crucifix. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it \u201ca powerful message of peace, hope, and dialogue.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Global hunger crisis deepens as conflict fuels famine, new report warns\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf27-d3c1-adfd-ff7757af0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777029466254\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf27-d3c1-adfd-ff7757af0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Global hunger crisis deepens as conflict fuels famine, new report warns         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Acute food insecurity and malnutrition remain at alarmingly high levels worldwide, with conflict and displacement pushing millions into extreme hunger, according to an international report released Friday.<\/p>\n<p>U.N. Secretary\u2011General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres said conflict remained the primary driver of food crises, calling hunger in war zones \u201centirely man\u2011made.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Global Report on Food Crises 2026, published by a global alliance including the United Nations and the EU, found that about 266 million people across 47 countries experienced high levels of \u201cacute food insecurity\u201d in 2025, nearly double the share recorded a decade earlier.<\/p>\n<p>Ten countries accounted for roughly two\u2011thirds of those affected, including Afghanistan, Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo.<\/p>\n<p>For the first time in the report\u2019s history, famine was confirmed in two separate contexts in the same year \u2014 in Gaza and parts of Sudan \u2014 marking what authors described as a sharp escalation in the most severe forms of hunger.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Indonesian peacekeeper dies in Lebanon weeks after being wounded\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bf04-d468-a3df-ff4c4f570000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777028517881\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bf04-d468-a3df-ff4c4f570000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Indonesian peacekeeper dies in Lebanon weeks after being wounded         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The U.N. peacekeeping force deployed in southern Lebanon, or UNIFIL, says Corporal Rico Pramudia, 31, died at a Beirut hospital after he was critically wounded following a projectile explosion in his base in Adchit al-Qusayr, southern Lebanon, on March 29.<\/p>\n<p>The attack in Adchit al-Qusayr also killed an Indonesian peacekeeper.<\/p>\n<p>Two other Indonesian peacekeepers were also killed in southern Lebanon shortly after.<\/p>\n<p>UNIFIL said all parties must uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the safety and security of U.N. personnel and property at all times.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this month, two French peacekeepers were killed in an attack in southern Lebanon.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"<b>Drones reportedly fired from Iraq struck sites in Kuwait<\/b>&#8221; data-post-id=&#8221;0000019d-befa-d44a-a79d-fffed8d10000&#8243; data-posted-date-timestamp=&#8221;1777026221946&#8243; data-seconds-delta-text=&#8221;sec ago&#8221; data-minutes-delta-text=&#8221;min ago&#8221; data-hours-delta-text=&#8221;h ago&#8221;>              <a id=\"0000019d-befa-d44a-a79d-fffed8d10000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             <b>Drones reportedly fired from Iraq struck sites in Kuwait<\/b>         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Kuwait says explosive drones launched from Iraq have struck two sites on the northern land border Friday morning.<\/p>\n<p>The Kuwait army said on X that the drones caused material damage, but that there were no reports of casualties. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Residents frustrated with ongoing security restrictions in Pakistan\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bee5-d8eb-addd-feed5fb20000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777025601462\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bee5-d8eb-addd-feed5fb20000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Residents frustrated with ongoing security restrictions in Pakistan         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>A weeklong, lockdown-like security clampdown in Pakistan\u2019s capital Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi has sparked frustration among residents, who urged authorities to ease restrictions so they can resume normal commutes.<\/p>\n<p>Roads leading into Islamabad\u2019s heavily guarded Red Zone have appeared deserted at times, with concrete barricades, barbed wire and security personnel dominating normally busy corridors. The absence of routine traffic has added to a sense of disruption in the twin cities.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe were happy that Pakistan is hosting these talks to end the war between America and Iran. But now almost a week has passed, and it takes me one to two hours instead of 30 minutes, depending on traffic, to reach home from Islamabad to Rawalpindi,\u201d said Sher Khan, a lift operator at a shopping plaza.<\/p>\n<p>There is still no official word on exactly when the talks will take place.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities have deployed thousands of police and paramilitary troops since last weekend.<\/p>\n<p>While Pakistan is still trying to secure Iran\u2019s participation, there has been no confirmation yet on when Tehran will send its delegation. The visit by the U.S. delegation is also on hold.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Beirut residents call for peace in south Lebanon\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bed0-dbb7-a79f-fff69db60000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777023446052\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bed0-dbb7-a79f-fff69db60000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Beirut residents call for peace in south Lebanon         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Some Lebanese people in Beirut believe south Lebanon should be included in a ceasefire between Israel and militant group Hezbollah.<\/p>\n<p>They said a deal will not be sustainable without a lasting truce between Iran and the United States.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is not related to Hezbollah and Israel, but to Iran and the US. If they reach an agreement, the whole of the Middle East will be calm, but if not, there will be escalation in Lebanon and the rest of the world,\u201d Joe Ghafari said.<\/p>\n<p>Diala Ammar said it is \u201cunfair\u201d for the south to stay at war while the rest of the country \u201clives normally.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Israeli forces occupying a strip of territory extending several miles into southern Lebanon have continued strikes, while Hezbollah has attacked Israeli forces there.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Pakistan repays $3.45 billion in UAE deposits\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-be9e-dd93-a5ff-ffde35fc0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777020235460\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-be9e-dd93-a5ff-ffde35fc0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Pakistan repays $3.45 billion in UAE deposits         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Pakistan completed repayment of $3.45 billion in deposits to the United Arab Emirates, returning a final $1 billion tranche, Pakistan\u2019s central bank said Friday.<\/p>\n<p>Pakistan had to arrange $3 billion in fresh financing from Saudi Arabia to support its foreign reserves.<\/p>\n<p>The UAE placed the deposits with Pakistan in 2018 to bolster foreign exchange reserves.<\/p>\n<p>The repayment comes weeks after the UAE asked Pakistan to return the funds without publicly explaining the reason for the abrupt request.<\/p>\n<p>Media reports in Pakistan suggested the UAE\u2019s request was linked to geopolitical differences over regional developments, though the government in Islamabad has downplayed such claims, maintaining that bilateral ties remain strong.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Iran\u2019s foreign minister talks with Pakistani officials\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-be63-d44a-a79d-ff6f400e0000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777019529985\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-be63-d44a-a79d-ff6f400e0000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Iran\u2019s foreign minister talks with Pakistani officials         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Iran\u2019s top diplomat has called Pakistani officials over the ceasefire in the war with the United States and Israel.<\/p>\n<p>A statement Friday said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Pakistan\u2019s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan\u2019s army chief.<\/p>\n<p>Araghchi\u2019s statement said the men spoke about \u201cregional developments and issues related to the ceasefire,\u201d without elaborating.<\/p>\n<p>Hours later, a statement issued on behalf of Dar acknowledged the call, saying \u201cboth sides exchanged views on regional developments, the ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic efforts being pursued by Islamabad in the context of U.S.-Iran engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Pakistan has been trying to get American and Iranian officials back to the negotiating table in Islamabad, where they had hoped to have talks earlier this week that didn\u2019t materialize.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"EU\u2019s top diplomat notes risk of \u2018weaker\u2019 US-Iran deal\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-be58-d0c5-abff-ff5b05a90000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777015665945\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-be58-d0c5-abff-ff5b05a90000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             EU\u2019s top diplomat notes risk of \u2018weaker\u2019 US-Iran deal         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said peace negotiations between the United States and Iran are at risk of forging a \u201cweaker\u201d agreement than one struck a decade ago.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf the talks are only about the nuclear (issue) and there are no nuclear experts around the table, then we will end up with an agreement that is weaker than the JCPoA was,\u201d Kallas said Friday in Cyprus, referring to a 2015 deal struck during the Obama administration that Trump pulled the U.S. out of in 2018.<\/p>\n<p>Kallas said if negotiators do not table Iran\u2019s \u201cmissile programs, their support to proxies, and also hybrid and cyber activities in Europe\u201d there is a possibility \u201cwe will end up with a more dangerous Iran.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post> <bsp-liveblog-post data-gtm-region=\"Medical aid convoy departs Turkey for Iran\" data-post-id=\"0000019d-bdeb-d44a-a79d-fdefa1160000\" data-posted-date-timestamp=\"1777014930241\" data-seconds-delta-text=\"sec ago\" data-minutes-delta-text=\"min ago\" data-hours-delta-text=\"h ago\">              <a id=\"0000019d-bdeb-d44a-a79d-fdefa1160000\"><\/a>                          <\/p>\n<h2>             Medical aid convoy departs Turkey for Iran         <\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>A medical aid convoy left Turkey headed for Iran, an official told Turkey\u2019s state-run Anadolu news agency on Friday.<\/p>\n<p>The six trucks departed Van in eastern Turkey to pass through the Gurbulak border crossing, Van Health Director Muhammed Tosun said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe materials include medicines and medical supplies,\u201d Tosun said. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe previously sent three trucks. With today\u2019s trucks, a total of nine trucks of aid materials will have been delivered to our Iranian colleagues to serve their citizens,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>          <\/bsp-liveblog-post>               <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Major developments we\u2019re monitoring: U.S. President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan on Saturday to continue talks with Iran, the White House said Friday. Shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi touched down in Pakistan, his government made it clear that there would be no direct negotiations with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12240,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12239","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12239"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12239\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12239"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12239"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpinitiate.com\/echo-test\/demo973e36f5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12239"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}