Iran FM Araghchi Calls Jaishankar As Hormuz Tensions Spike

Tensions in Lebanon are threatening to derail high-stakes US-Iran talks underway in Islamabad. As Israel intensifies its strikes against Hezbollah, fears are mounting that the fragile ceasefire could collapse before diplomacy even begins. The Donald Trump administration and the Lebanese government have reportedly urged Israel to pause its offensive, hoping to create space for direct Israel-Lebanon negotiations under U.S. mediation. But the situation remains volatile, with Tehran insisting it will only engage in talks once a ceasefire is established in Lebanon — a demand that could complicate already delicate negotiations. Meanwhile, fresh exchanges of fire continue on the ground, with Hezbollah launching rockets and drones toward northern Israel, and Israeli strikes hitting targets across southern Lebanon. Civilian casualties are being reported, adding urgency to calls for de-escalation.