Pakistan’s political and military leadership is continuing efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, even after US President Donald Trump halted a planned diplomatic outreach.
Trump said he had instructed his senior envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, not to travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran. Posting on social media, Trump said, “If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”
Despite the decision, Pakistani officials said indirect ceasefire discussions remain active, with Islamabad maintaining a mediatory role between Washington and Tehran amid escalating tensions.
Iran Rules Out Talks Amid US Blockade
Iran has reiterated that it will not enter negotiations under current conditions. President Masoud Pezeshkian conveyed this stance during a phone call with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to Iranian media reports, Pezeshkian said the United States must first remove “operational obstacles,” including what he described as a blockade on Iranian ports, before any fresh round of talks can begin.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who recently departed Pakistan, is expected to return to Islamabad as diplomatic engagements continue.
US Expands Sanctions Targeting Iran’s Oil Trade
The Trump administration has intensified economic pressure on Iran by imposing sanctions on a major China-based oil refinery along with nearly 40 shipping companies and tankers linked to Iranian oil transport.
The move is part of Washington’s broader strategy to curb Iran’s oil exports—one of its primary revenue streams—by targeting global entities involved in the trade.
Israel–Lebanon Ceasefire Extended
Trump also announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire with Hezbollah by three weeks following talks at the White House. The extension follows an earlier 10-day truce that was set to expire soon.
The agreement marks the second high-level negotiation between the two sides this month.
Global Air Travel Hit by War Fallout
The ongoing conflict is beginning to impact global aviation, with airlines cancelling flights due to rising jet fuel costs and supply disruptions linked to the Middle East tensions. Travel experts have advised passengers to stay informed and prepared for cancellations.
Israeli Forces Kill Four Palestinians in Gaza
At least four Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip on Sunday morning, according to hospital authorities.
Two men were shot dead near the Kuwait roundabout in southeastern Gaza City, as reported by Al-Shifa Hospital. Another man was killed near the Saqqa mosque in central Gaza.
In southern Gaza, Nasser Hospital reported that a 40-year-old woman was shot dead near a slaughterhouse in Khan Younis.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incidents.
Continued Violence Despite Ceasefire Efforts
The latest deaths come despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October aimed at ending more than two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
While large-scale fighting has decreased, Israeli forces have continued airstrikes and have frequently opened fire near military-controlled zones. According to Gaza health authorities, at least 811 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, including 226 children and 179 women.
Israel Warns Lebanese Residents to Evacuate Ahead of Strikes
Israel’s military has warned residents in seven towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of planned strikes.
Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee alleged that Hezbollah had violated the ceasefire agreement, though no evidence was provided.
In a social media statement, the Israeli military said it would conduct operations south of the Zahrani River and urged civilians to leave the area immediately.
Rising Tensions Along Israel–Lebanon Border
The warning echoes earlier large-scale evacuation advisories issued during Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah, signaling renewed tensions along the border region despite ongoing ceasefire arrangements.