Lebanon-Israel talks begin amid rising regional tensions

Lebanon and Israel have entered their first direct talks in decades, even as clashes with Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon. The US, represented by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is mediating alongside ambassadors from both nations.

Washington: Lebanon and Israel were holding their first direct talks in decades as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah militants rocks southern Lebanon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors for Tuesday’s discussions in Washington. Hezbollah says it will not abide by any agreement, a high-ranking member of the group’s political council told the AP.

The US military claimed Tuesday that it has successfully begun to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, as the standoff between the US and Iran deepens. Tehran threatened to strike targets across the region, a day after Trump warned on social media that any Iranian warships nearing the blockade would be destroyed in a “quick and brutal” strike.

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With Pakistan racing to bring the sides together for more talks, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a second round “could be happening over the next two days.” The first round ended without an agreement on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which the White House says is a sticking point.

Neither side has indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22.