’36 to 72 hours’: Trump’s ‘good news’ teaser on Iran-US Round 2 peace talks

The update comes hours after the US president announced an extension of the current ceasefire with Iran, stating that Washington would wait for a “unified proposal” from Tehran’s leadership before advancing negotiations.

Pakistan emerges as key diplomatic intermediary

Unnamed sources in Islamabad told the New York Post that the ceasefire has largely held despite heightened rhetoric from both sides, pointing to a lack of direct military escalation. “The ceasefire is holding despite heightened rhetoric, indicating positive intent on both sides,” one source told the NYP, adding that Pakistan remains the key mediator in the process.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that the White House has suspended Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit after Iran rebuffed initial efforts to restart negotiations.

Tehran has acknowledged the ceasefire extension but has not confirmed whether it will participate in fresh talks, according to Iranian state television.

Firing in Strait of Hormuz raises tensions

Complicating the diplomatic landscape, Iranian semi-official media reported that the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard attacked three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.

Iranian state television also said that two targeted ships have been seized, raising fresh concerns over security in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.

Violence in Lebanon underscores fragile ceasefire

Elsewhere in the region, violence has continued despite ceasefire agreements. In southern Lebanon, an Israeli strike on a vehicle in the town of Tayri killed two people, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident.

The strike comes despite a 10-day ceasefire that took effect last week, with sporadic attacks reported on both sides. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for some recent actions, adding to the volatility.

In a separate development, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that a wounded soldier has died after being wounded in an earlier attack on United Nations forces in southern Lebanon. The soldier had been repatriated before succumbing to injuries. Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack.