US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

The Iranian delegation’s designation as ‘Minab 168’ serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians within the country. This brutal war has been relentless, subjecting innocent civilians to a barrage of attacks over a 40-day period, with the first day’s assault on an elementary school in Minab being a particularly harrowing incident. The loss of 168 young lives, including students and teachers, has left an indelible mark on the nation.

The scale of destruction is staggering, with over 800 schools, more than 30 universities, and numerous healthcare facilities and other critical infrastructure targeted in the campaign of strikes. The delegation’s name is a powerful statement of Iran’s determination to bring an end to the suffering and anguish endured by civilians in recent weeks. By choosing this moniker, Iran is also signaling its commitment to exploring diplomatic avenues to resolve the crisis, as exemplified by its engagement in Islamabad.

A high-profile visit from Saudi Arabia’s finance minister, Mohammed al-Jadaan, has brought a message of unwavering economic support to Islamabad, following Pakistan’s announcement to repay billions of dollars in loans to the United Arab Emirates.

In a gesture of solidarity, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office has expressed gratitude for the Crown Prince’s warm and cordial relationship with Pakistan, as well as the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to providing economic and financial assistance that has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s economic resilience.

The Saudi minister’s visit coincides with a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy, as Islamabad plays host to US-Iran talks aimed at resolving the longstanding conflict in the Middle East. Although the minister will not be participating in the negotiations, his trip serves as a testament to the shifting dynamics in the Gulf, where new alliances are emerging amidst the ongoing rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Pakistan’s recent decision to repay more than $3 billion in loans borrowed from the UAE since 2018 underscores the country’s efforts to reorient its economic relationships.

The Palestinian organization has expressed its backing for the US-Iran talks, which it sees as a crucial step towards a definitive and all-encompassing resolution to the conflict between the US and Israel over Iran.

In a recent X post, Mohammad Reza Aref, Iran’s first vice president, emphasized that the success of high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad hinges on US representatives prioritizing their domestic interests.
Aref cautioned that if the US were to shift its focus towards an agenda centered on Israel, it would be detrimental to the negotiations.
He stated that such a shift would likely lead to a stalemate, prompting Iran to intensify its defense efforts even further.
Aref warned that this scenario would have far-reaching consequences, imposing greater costs on the global community.

With ongoing military operations in Lebanon, Israel has made it clear that a ceasefire with Hezbollah will not be on the agenda when Lebanese diplomats arrive in Washington for high-stakes talks next week. The Israeli government’s stance was reaffirmed during a series of late-night discussions between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors on Friday, as they finalized the details for their meeting at the US State Department on Tuesday.

A high-level Iranian delegation, consisting of parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, has concluded a meeting with Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, with further information on the discussions still pending.

The focal points of the upcoming talks are set to revolve around several critical matters, with Tehran stipulating that any formal dialogue can commence only after Washington provides assurances on a ceasefire in Lebanon and the removal of sanctions imposed on Iran.

Indonesia has hailed the recent talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan as a significant breakthrough, calling on both nations to work towards a lasting resolution to their long-standing conflict.
According to Indonesia’s foreign ministry spokesman, Vahd Nabyl, the talks represent a crucial step towards maintaining open communication channels and fostering a diplomatic environment.
Jakarta views this development as a positive starting point, urging all parties to solidify the current de-escalation and pursue a peaceful, sustainable solution to the conflict.
In a statement, Vahd Nabyl emphasized the importance of restraint, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the promotion of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the dispute.

Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir donned military fatigues to greet the Iranian delegation upon their arrival in Islamabad on Friday night. However, when US Vice President J D Vance landed the following day, the army chief opted for a suit. This apparent change in attire has sparked curiosity about whether it signifies a deliberate choice or adherence to established protocol.

A retired general, who served under the tenure of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, suggested that there is no set rule governing the dress code of the army chief when receiving foreign dignitaries. According to the general, who spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, the decision often lies with the chief’s staff or his personal preference, which may be influenced by the image he wishes to project.

Another recently retired general downplayed the significance of the army chief’s attire, describing it as a minor detail in the grand scheme of diplomatic protocol. However, he acknowledged that the situation is extraordinary, and the usual rules do not apply when meeting high-ranking officials such as presidents or vice presidents.

The general noted that the deviation from standard protocol may be a reflection of the importance of the ongoing ceasefire talks, which have far-reaching implications not only for Pakistan but for the global community.

In a recent interview, the former US secretary of state revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had persistently lobbied US administrations to launch military strikes against Iran, but his efforts were consistently rebuffed by previous presidents.
During a conversation on The Briefing with Jen Psaki, Kerry disclosed that he had been part of numerous discussions with Netanyahu, who repeatedly advocated for military intervention: “He made it clear that he wanted us to take action.”
Kerry stated that Netanyahu directly presented his proposal to former President Barack Obama, former President Joe Biden, and former President George W Bush, but all three declined.
The only US president to agree to Netanyahu’s proposal was President Donald Trump, according to Kerry.
Kerry also mentioned that Netanyahu had made a comprehensive case for military action, which he described as a “four-point pitch” in recent reporting.
The proposal reportedly included claims that a strike could eliminate the Iranian leadership, spark a regime change, and dismantle the country’s military capabilities.
Kerry found the reporting on the discussions to be credible and stated that Netanyahu had presented these arguments in meetings involving senior officials, where diverse perspectives were considered.