By Jon Gambrell, Elena Becatoros and Mike Corder
Dubai, April 10
The United States and Iran are set to meet in Islamabad this weekend to try to ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah and talk about broader issues in the Middle East. Leaders in the region hope these talks will lead to more stability and peace.
US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American team in Islamabad, but Iran has not yet named its negotiators. The main goals are to reach a ceasefire and address security concerns that have heightened tensions. Iran wants the US to urge Israel to stop its military actions in Lebanon and has warned it may leave the talks if there is no progress.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved direct talks with Lebanon to work toward disarming Hezbollah and possibly improving relations. Israel and Lebanon have technically been at war since 1948. Netanyahu pointed out that there is still no ceasefire between the countries, despite international efforts and recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut.
A US official said that Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold talks next week at the US State Department in Washington. US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter are expected to take part. As of Friday morning, Lebanon had not named its representatives. Tensions in the region rose after Kuwait reported a drone attack on Thursday night, blaming Iran and its allied militias. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied involvement, but similar incidents have continued to cause mistrust and instability.
The talks planned in Islamabad and Washington are an important diplomatic effort to prevent further conflict and advance lasting stability in the Middle East. The outcome could shape future steps toward peace and security in a region that has endured decades of conflict.
