US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

Anza Saqib Akhund, a seasoned defence and security expert based in Islamabad, has underscored that the mere commencement of peace talks does not automatically guarantee their success, while nonetheless characterizing the event as a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history.
Akhund expressed optimism that Pakistan will perceive JD Vance’s attendance at the talks favourably, citing his unique understanding of the devastating impact of conflict on both parties, particularly the United States.
From Islamabad’s vantage point, Vance’s participation is viewed as a significant achievement and a major coup, as Pakistan’s leadership successfully persuaded Trump to dispatch a high-ranking figure like Vance to the talks.

In a stark warning, President Trump revealed that American warships are being replenished with advanced armaments in preparation for potential strikes against Iran if negotiations in Pakistan falter and a mutually acceptable agreement cannot be reached.

As the US and Iran remain entrenched in their disparate positions, Pakistan is quietly striving for a measured achievement from the upcoming summit in Islamabad, scheduled for Saturday. According to insiders, the Pakistani mediators are focusing on securing a fragile consensus that will enable the two nations to maintain a dialogue, rather than seeking a definitive resolution. While experts acknowledge that a significant breakthrough is unlikely on Saturday, Islamabad’s goal is to facilitate a continuation of the negotiation process, potentially building on the fragile truce that brought a sense of global relief earlier this week.

A sudden alert has been triggered in the Karmiel area and its vicinity in the Upper Galilee, prompting Israeli authorities to confirm that the warning is a result of rocket fire originating from Lebanon.

In a series of poignant messages on social media today, Pope Leo XIV addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East, where a fragile ceasefire has temporarily halted the violence ahead of high-stakes negotiations.
“Senseless and brutal violence is ravaging the revered sanctuaries of the Christian East,” he lamented.
“No justification can be found for the senseless slaughter of innocent lives.
“As a follower of Christ, the embodiment of peace, one cannot align themselves with those who once resorted to violence and now unleash devastating attacks.”
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that military action will not bring about a lasting era of freedom or peace, instead calling for a path of dialogue and mutual coexistence.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi emphasized that the United States must honour its ceasefire commitments, which he claimed encompassed Lebanon’s involvement in the truce. Araghchi expressed his views during a phone conversation with Iran’s ambassador-designate to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Shibani. He strongly denounced Israel’s persistent attacks in Lebanon, asserting that these must be brought to an end in line with the ceasefire agreement. This stance aligns with earlier comments made by Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, who stated that scheduled talks with the US cannot proceed unless a ceasefire covering Lebanon is in place.

As UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarked on a diplomatic tour of the Gulf this week, the impression was that Britain was reasserting its role as a stabilizing force in the region, which has been teetering on the edge of instability. Official meetings were convened, statements were released, and alliances were reaffirmed in a carefully choreographed display of diplomatic protocol. However, the reality unfolding around him painted a starkly different picture. As Starmer traveled between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, the pivotal decisions were being made elsewhere. The fragile US-Iran ceasefire was being shaped in Washington and Tehran, while Israel’s ongoing attacks on Lebanon threatened to upend the entire process. Regional powers were rapidly adjusting their positions in real-time, relegating Britain to a secondary role. This is not a fleeting misstep, but rather a clear indication of a long-term decline: the United Kingdom is no longer a dominant player in the Middle East, instead serving as a supporting voice in a conversation led by other nations.

A barrage of thirty rockets launched from Lebanon has targeted northern Israel, with the projectiles raining down on the region since dawn. According to Israeli Army Radio, the rockets were fired from Lebanon at the crack of dawn. Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed that a reserve officer sustained severe injuries and a soldier suffered minor injuries in a drone attack in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has disclosed that a total of 12 state security personnel have lost their lives in Nabatieh, following an Israeli assault on a state security facility. According to President Aoun, as cited by Lebanon’s National News Agency, the attack on state institutions and security forces will not dissuade Lebanon from defending its territory and upholding its sovereignty.

Despite a temporary lull in hostilities, the outcome of recent negotiations between Iran and Pakistan remains far from certain. History has shown that previous attempts at dialogue have ultimately given way to renewed conflict, leaving many Iranians to wonder if this latest round will prove an exception.
The success of these talks will also have far-reaching implications for Iran’s economic future, with the lifting of sanctions and an end to crippling economic pressure hanging precariously in the balance. If achieved, it would mark a significant turning point for the country, one that many are eagerly anticipating.
Meanwhile, Iranian citizens continue to take to the streets, their protests a testament to their unwavering support for their government and a clear indication that they are not yet ready to put their hopes for change on hold.