Lebanese and Israeli envoys are scheduled to meet in Washington on Tuesday for the first face-to-face talks in decades, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting will include the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to Washington and the US ambassador to Beirut, according to France24.
The negotiations aim to halt the war in Lebanon, but the prospects for a deal appear slim. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel the planned meeting, reiterating his group’s opposition to any direct engagement with Israel. Hezbollah has warned it will not abide by any agreements resulting from the talks, describing them as "futile."
For those displaced by the conflict, there is little optimism. France24 reported that there is "no glimmer of hope" among Lebanon's displaced populations as the talks begin.
Simultaneously, the United States has implemented a naval blockade on Iranian ports, effective as of 1400 GMT on Monday. President Donald Trump warned on Monday that any Iranian "fast-attack" ships approaching the US maritime blockade would be eliminated, according to France24.
US Vice President JD Vance stated that the responsibility for advancing peace negotiations with Tehran lies with Iran. Speaking to Fox News, Vance said the US delegation left the Islamabad talks without an agreement because their Iranian counterparts "had to return" to obtain approval from leadership. "The ball is in Iran's court," Vance said.
Vance also demanded that "the nuclear material leave the country," adding, "We would like to take possession of it." He noted that this material is currently "buried underground" due to the US-Israeli offensive. He further emphasized that the US expects the "complete reopening" of the Strait of Hormuz, describing the current blockade as "additional economic pressure."
Regional escalations and economic strain
Iran has accused Washington of "piracy," prompting thousands to rally in Tehran against the maritime restrictions. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) warned it possesses "unused capabilities" and could deploy new tactics if the conflict deepsembles, according to Al Jazeera.
This blockade targets shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global trade. A UN spokesperson warned of worsening economic fragility, noting that approximately 20,000 vessels are currently stranded, straining supply chains for goods including fertilizer.
China and Russia have both criticized the US actions. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that maintaining the security and unimpeded flow of the Strait is in the "common interest of the international community." Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Beijing to discuss de-escalating Middle East tensions, following a telephone conversation with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.
The economic impact on Iran is severe. According to reports from r/economics, prices in Iran have risen by as much as 40% since the war began six weeks ago. The rial has plunged 8% against the dollar on the black market since the conflict started, following a 60% loss in value during the 12-day war last June.
Officials within the Iranian establishment view the economy as the regime's "Achilles' heel," with fears that the government may soon struggle to make payroll. The war has forced the state to subsidize displaced citizens and fund emergency infrastructure repairs.
In Gaza, Israeli air attacks and artillery fire continued throughout the week despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces killed journalist Mohammed Wishah in a drone attack, bringing the total number of media workers killed in Gaza since October 2023 to at least 262. On April 9, nine-year-old Ritaj Rihan was killed by Israeli soldiers in a classroom tent in northern Gaza.
In Jerusalem, the reopening of the Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers was marked by heavy Israeli security presence. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the compound under police protection, declaring, "Today, you feel like the master of the house here."
Amid the geopolitical tension, Pope Leo XIV has emerged as a critic of the Trump administration's rhetoric. Following a social media attack by President Trump, the Pope stated, "I don’t want to get into a debate with him," while reaffirming his commitment to promoting peace and dialogue.
