Here are the latest developments related to the Middle East conflict, as a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States enters its second week:
. Iranian-American talks: Iran to host Pakistani delegation
Iran is set to host a Pakistani delegation led by influential army chief Asim Munir on Wednesday, after stating its intention to continue discussions with the United States through Pakistan, as reported by state television.
. Eleven countries, including the UK and Japan, call for “coordinated” economic response to the war
Finance ministers from eleven countries, including the UK, Japan, and Australia, called on Wednesday for a “coordinated, responsible, and proactive” economic response to the Middle East conflict, citing risks to growth, inflation, and markets.
The signatory countries, also including Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Spain, Norway, Ireland, Poland, and New Zealand, praised the ceasefire as “crucial to protect civilians and the region’s security” in a statement.
. Israel sees talks with Beirut as a “historic opportunity” to end Hezbollah’s grip on Lebanon
The Israeli government hailed talks initiated in Washington between Israel and Lebanon as a “historic opportunity to end decades of influence” by the Islamist movement Hezbollah in Lebanon.
. US denies agreeing to extend ceasefire with Iran
The United States has not formally agreed to extend the ceasefire with Iran, a senior American official told AFP on Wednesday, following reports of negotiators nearing such an extension.
“Discussions continue between the US and Iran to reach an agreement,” stated the anonymous official.
. Iran reaffirms right to enrich uranium to a negotiable level
The Iranian Foreign Ministry reiterated on Wednesday Iran’s “undeniable” right to enrich uranium to a level deemed “negotiable.”
. Iran says exchanges with US ongoing via Pakistan
Iran stated on Wednesday that exchanges with the US are ongoing through Pakistan, following unsuccessful discussions in Islamabad last weekend.
“Since Sunday, when the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran, several messages have been exchanged through Pakistan,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.
. Iranian army threatens to block Red Sea if US blockade continues
Iran threatened on Wednesday to block the Red Sea, despite not having a direct border with it, if the American blockade of its ports continues, warning that it could lead to a violation of the ceasefire in effect since April 8.
Should the US persist with its maritime blockade and “create insecurity for Iranian commercial ships and tankers,” it would be a “prelude” to ceasefire violation, said General Ali Abdollahi, head of the Iranian armed forces’ command.
. Israel claims to have struck over 200 Hezbollah targets in the last 24 hours
The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that it had hit over 200 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in the past 24 hours, according to a statement.
This comes as Israel and Lebanon engaged in direct talks in Washington on Tuesday in efforts to secure lasting peace between the two countries.
. Pakistan to impose daily electricity cuts
The Pakistani government announced on Wednesday that there will be around two-hour electricity cuts each evening during peak hours, aimed at “preventing a sharp increase in tariffs.” Pakistan is feeling the impact of soaring global energy prices, a consequence of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
. Oil supply: Japan pledges 8.5 billion euros to Southeast Asia
Japan pledged the equivalent of 8.5 billion euros in financial support to Southeast Asian countries on Wednesday, as the Middle East conflict threatens Tokyo’s supply of vital medical equipment derived from oil.
As part of the “Power Asia” initiative, Japan aims to provide 1.6 trillion yen to Southeast Asian countries to bolster their energy supply chain and assist in acquiring crude oil and petroleum products.
. Hezbollah fires around 30 rockets into northern Israel
Fighters from the Lebanese Islamist movement Hezbollah fired around 30 rockets into Israel from Lebanon on Wednesday morning, an Israeli army spokesperson told AFP around 06:40 GMT.
These attacks come following direct discussions in Washington between Israel and Lebanon, the first in over thirty years, denounced by Hezbollah. Following the talks, Israel and Lebanon agreed to start direct negotiations for lasting peace, according to the US State Department hosting the meeting.
