The United States and Iran are reportedly engaged in ongoing discussions, though both sides are maintaining strict secrecy over the details and technical aspects. There has been no official announcement of direct talks between the two nations, and historically, they have rarely acknowledged such communication publicly. According to sources in Tehran, contact with Washington continues through intermediaries, with several rounds of indirect discussions held in Islamabad, Moscow, and other locations.

The main focus now is whether the two countries can resolve their disputes through diplomacy. Outstanding issues include Iran’s nuclear program, the lifting of sanctions, security guarantees, and war-related compensation. The situation intensified after the U.S. Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on Iran yesterday.

It remains uncertain whether these issues will be settled diplomatically. Both sides have issued warnings, signaling readiness for renewed confrontation if the talks fail.

Iran has warned that its armed forces will take retaliatory action if the United States maintains its blockade on Iranian ports. The warning came from the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbia, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The statement emphasized that Iran’s military is stronger and more prepared than before to defend the country’s sovereignty, territory, and national interests.

The Iranian command noted that its forces had already demonstrated part of their strength and offensive capability during what it called the “third imposed war.” It further stated that Iran remains vigilant and determined, closely monitoring enemy movements in the region. The statement also asserted that control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains in Iran’s hands.

According to the statement, any renewed aggression would result in greater losses for what it described as American-Zionist enemies, signaling Tehran’s readiness for escalation if the blockade persists.

Israeli military forces carried out attacks in southern Lebanon on Saturday, violating an existing ceasefire. Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that at least four people were killed in two separate strikes on Yahmour al-Shakif village in Nabatieh district. The area lies north of the Litani River and outside Israel’s self-declared ‘Yellow Line’ exclusion zone. The identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed.

According to reports, explosions were heard throughout the morning in the southern city of Tyre, while Israeli forces continued destroying homes and structures in several border areas, including Bint Jbeil, eastern border zones, and Naqoura. The Israeli military has been conducting operations both inside and beyond the ‘Yellow Line’ area, claiming that Hezbollah had been launching rockets from those locations.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions and destruction persist across southern Lebanon, with ongoing Israeli military activity raising concerns about renewed escalation in the border region.

The United States military announced that it has seized an Iranian vessel from the so-called 'shadow fleet' in the Arabian Sea. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the ship, identified as M/V Sevan, was intercepted by a US Navy helicopter earlier in the day. The vessel was reportedly carrying fuel, oil, and gas products worth billions of dollars for foreign markets. It is now under guard and following US military instructions to return to Iran.

CENTCOM stated that the M/V Sevan is one of 19 ships recently listed under US Treasury Department sanctions for involvement in Iran’s shadow fleet operations. Earlier this month, US forces had declared their intent to intercept or redirect vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports. CENTCOM also claimed that a full blockade of Iran’s ports is currently being enforced.

The seizure marks another step in Washington’s ongoing efforts to curb Iran’s sanctioned energy trade through maritime enforcement in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the country's military to carry out strong strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the order was issued to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The announcement came as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continued to escalate along the border.

The IDF, in several statements released on Telegram on Saturday, accused Hezbollah of violating the existing ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Both sides have repeatedly blamed each other for breaching the truce, contributing to ongoing instability in the region. The report cited the BBC as its source.

The situation underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed hostilities if the accusations and retaliatory actions persist.

A high-level Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Islamabad after a day of meetings, just before a United States delegation was reported to be en route to Pakistan. The information was confirmed by Al Jazeera’s Osama bin Javed. Before departing, the Iranian team submitted a formal list of demands to the Pakistani government outlining Tehran’s conditions for ending its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

According to the report, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt had earlier announced that the US delegation, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, would arrive in Pakistan on Saturday. Pakistan is currently acting as a mediator between Iran and the United States. Although Iran has refused direct talks with the US, Islamabad is serving as a communication bridge to convey Tehran’s proposals to Washington.

The US delegation is expected to review Iran’s proposals and discuss next steps toward ending the conflict. Tehran’s demands prioritize security guarantees and the lifting of sanctions. Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating these exchanges has placed it at the center of current global political attention.

Germany has announced plans to join an international mine-clearing operation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz once a peace agreement is reached between the United States and Iran. To prepare for the mission, the country will soon deploy a mine-clearing vessel, the Fulda, to the Mediterranean Sea. According to a spokesperson from Germany’s Defense Ministry, the ship will be deployed within the next few days.

The spokesperson stated that Germany aims to make a significant and visible contribution to the international coalition working to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Fulda will be deployed with a crew of 45, but the operation in the strait will only begin after a lasting end to the conflict and approval from the lower house of the German parliament.

Turkey has previously expressed interest in joining the mine-clearing mission once hostilities cease. The coalition’s main objective is to secure the vital maritime route in the post-conflict period.

Iran has executed Erfan Kiani, a protester accused of working for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, amid ongoing unrest across the country. The execution took place on Saturday morning after Iran’s Supreme Court upheld his death sentence. The news was confirmed by Fars and Tasnim, media outlets close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to official information, Kiani was charged in January 2026 with multiple serious offenses, including arson and acts of sabotage during protests. Israel has not yet issued any official comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the IRGC conducted operations in Kermanshah province, detaining 155 individuals alleged to be members of anti-revolutionary groups.

Among those detained, four are suspected of being spies linked to Israel’s Mossad. The developments come as Iran continues to face internal instability and heightened tensions with Israel.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey could take part in mine clearance operations in the Hormuz Strait if a peace agreement is reached between the United States and Iran. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists in London, noting that the clearance work would be carried out by a technical team formed through coordination among several countries.

Fidan stated that Turkey has no objection to joining the technical mission but cautioned that Ankara would reconsider its position if the coalition later takes sides in renewed conflict. He also expressed hope that the next round of talks in Pakistan could resolve issues related to Iran’s nuclear program.

The statement highlights Turkey’s conditional willingness to contribute to regional stability efforts while maintaining a cautious stance on potential geopolitical shifts.

Israel is currently engaged in a tense standoff along its borders with Lebanon and Iran, but analysts told Al Jazeera that the course of these conflicts depends less on Israel’s political leadership and more on decisions made by the United States and President Donald Trump. The observation comes as Washington extends its influence over regional developments.

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently traveled to Pakistan for a new round of talks with Iran, but Israel was not included in those discussions. Meanwhile, President Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon, even as Israel has repeatedly violated it. Analysts believe Trump’s influence is proving more decisive than that of Israeli leaders.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials continue to describe Iran and Hezbollah as existential threats, yet observers note that control over the region’s situation now largely rests in Washington’s hands.

Mali’s army reported that coordinated armed attacks occurred on Saturday morning in the capital Bamako and several other regions. According to the military, terrorist groups launched assaults on multiple army barracks, prompting ongoing counter-operations. Explosions and sustained gunfire were heard near the main military base in Kati, known as the residence of military ruler General Assimi Goïta. Fighting was also reported in the central town of Sévaré and the northern cities of Kidal and Gao. Heavy weapons fire was heard near Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport, where a helicopter was seen patrolling.

Mali, rich in gold and other minerals, has faced more than a decade of armed unrest. Following two military coups in 2020 and 2021, the country severed ties with France and expelled French troops and the UN peacekeeping mission. In July last year, the military government confirmed Goïta as president for five years, with the term renewable without elections.

The attacks come as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—three military-led states—continue joint security efforts under the Alliance of Sahel States to combat armed groups in the region.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned on Saturday that deliberate efforts are underway to redraw the map of the Middle East. He made the remarks during a televised address marking the 44th anniversary of the liberation of the Sinai Peninsula from Israeli occupation. Sisi said the region is passing through a critical phase due to these planned attempts to reshape its boundaries.

In his speech, the president called for the full implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement signed last October. This phase includes ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid access and the immediate start of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. Sisi also reaffirmed Egypt’s firm rejection of any attempt to displace Palestinians from their land.

The source noted that Gaza was devastated by Israel’s two-year-long assault, and despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have continued. The first phase of the truce had involved the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages.

Iran has executed a man accused of working for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The man, identified as Irfan Kayani, was charged with carrying out sabotage activities as an Israeli agent during nationwide protests in January. The execution followed a ruling by Iran’s Supreme Court.

Tasnim reported that Kayani faced accusations of destruction, arson, and creating terror during the unrest. The protests had erupted in late December over the falling value of Iran’s currency and rising living costs, intensifying in January. Israel has not issued any immediate comment on the execution.

The report did not specify where or how the execution was carried out, and no further details were provided about the judicial process or evidence presented against the accused.

Bangladesh has led the adoption of a landmark resolution on sustainable bioeconomy at the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The resolution, titled “Supporting the Transition Towards a Sustainable Bioeconomy in Asia and the Pacific,” was introduced by Bangladesh under the leadership of Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam and adopted unanimously by member states. This achievement is seen as recognition of Bangladesh’s growing diplomatic leadership in shaping the regional development agenda.

The resolution aligns with Bangladesh’s national priorities of achieving sustainable, innovation-driven, and inclusive growth. It emphasizes circular economy principles, efficient resource use, and the application of science and technology for economic transformation. It also calls for enhanced regional cooperation to promote knowledge sharing, capacity building, investment, and the development of sustainable bioeconomy value chains across Asia and the Pacific.

Countries including India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan co-sponsored the initiative, reflecting a broad regional consensus on sustainable development goals.

Iranian authorities have safely neutralized an unexploded bunker-buster bomb found buried about 13 meters underground in a residential area of Yazd Province. The powerful bomb, dropped during wartime, had struck its target but failed to detonate. The operation was carried out jointly by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and local bomb disposal units, who completed the task without any accidents.

According to officials, the unexploded ordnance had remained embedded in the ground since the conflict period, posing a potential threat to nearby residents. The coordinated effort between military and local teams ensured the safe removal and neutralization of the device.

The successful disposal of the bomb has eliminated a long-standing safety risk in the area, though details about the exact origin and timing of the wartime strike were not disclosed in the report.