Overview
- The United States and Iran announced a two‑week ceasefire Wednesday, with direct talks set to begin in Pakistan after a last‑minute mediation push by Islamabad.
- Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon hours after the truce killed at least 182 people, and leaders split on scope as France urged the deal to cover Lebanon while U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said it does not.
- Gulf states reported fresh Iranian drone and missile attacks, and the UAE demanded binding guarantees, a full and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for damage.
- Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains sparse with higher insurance costs, as Iran advances a plan asserting control and proposing transit fees that Washington and Gulf governments reject.
- Talks are expected to confront uranium enrichment and maritime security, as deep distrust and a new U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Iranian attacks raise the bar for any lasting agreement.