US-Iran conflict: What’s the latest as the Islamabad talks stall?

Lebanon and Israel will hold their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., mediated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks follow a month of war between Israel and Hezbollah that has resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Lebanon and displaced over one million people. The Lebanese government hopes the talks will lead to an end to the war, while Israel seeks long-term security on its northern border. Hezbollah and some critics are skeptical of Lebanon's leverage in the talks, suggesting it should align with Iran. The meetings aim to support Lebanon in gaining control of its territory and political future from Hezbollah.

Yechiel Leiter, Israel's ambassador to the US, held a first-ever phone call with his Lebanese counterpart, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, in Washington D.C. The meeting, facilitated by the US State Department, precedes formal peace negotiations between Israel and Lebanon scheduled to begin the following Tuesday. This occurs amidst escalating global pressure on Israel to end its invasion of Lebanon, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements. Leiter, known for his far-right political ties and past controversial rhetoric, stated that Israel refuses to discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which it views as an obstacle to peace. However, a Lebanese lawmaker affiliated with Hezbollah rejected direct negotiations with Israel.

In Washington, DC, Israeli and Lebanese officials held their first direct talks since 1983 on Tuesday, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting occurred amidst Israel's ongoing military campaign against Hezbollah, testing a fragile ceasefire that paused the US and Israel's war on Iran. Lebanon called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, while Israel focused on disarming Hezbollah, which was not represented at the meeting and opposed the talks. Despite differing priorities, both sides described the discussions as constructive, with the Israeli ambassador highlighting agreement on removing Hezbollah from Lebanon. Rubio acknowledged that progress would be a lengthy process due to historical complexities.

Amidst escalating tensions, diplomats are working to arrange a second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran as a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports takes effect on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Tehran has threatened regional retaliation, while Pakistan is attempting to mediate further discussions. The U.N. Secretary-General is advocating for resumed negotiations, a continued ceasefire, and respect for freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. These developments occur as the aftermath of recent airstrikes in Tehran and Lebanon, part of a U.S.-Israeli military campaign, are being assessed. Simultaneously, Israel and Lebanon held what they described as "positive" initial negotiation talks.