Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in a televised address that Israel was forced to declare a ceasefire through strong diplomacy. He emphasized that Israel has no right to attack Hezbollah or any other front in Lebanon. Pezeshkian credited Pakistan’s dedicated efforts in helping achieve the ceasefire while maintaining Iran’s dignity and pride.

The president reiterated that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and does not want instability or terrorism in the region. He said Tehran always follows the path of peace but remains uncompromising in defending its territorial integrity. Pezeshkian affirmed that Iran will stay firm in its policies and that other parties must understand this stance.

He also criticized the United States and Israel, accusing them of pushing Iran and the broader region toward chaos and war through the killing of military commanders, politicians, scientists, and students.

Pakistan is mediating peace talks between the United States and Iran, with Field Marshal Asim Munir at the center of the effort. Both Washington and Tehran reportedly view Munir as a trusted intermediary as they consider extending a two-week ceasefire set to expire next week. US President Donald Trump said he might visit Pakistan to sign a potential peace deal with Iran, praising Munir and Pakistan’s leadership for their role.

According to Iranian media, Munir met in Tehran with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He also hosted Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad during earlier talks that ended without an agreement but paved the way for further discussions. Munir’s growing influence has been reinforced by Pakistan’s strengthened ties with both the US and Iran, as well as with Saudi Arabia and China.

Analysts note that Munir’s personal rapport with Trump and his expanded authority within Pakistan’s military have elevated his status domestically and internationally. Islamabad is reportedly preparing to host another round of negotiations soon.

Iran has welcomed the recently declared ceasefire in Lebanon, though significant disagreements with the United States remain. During a meeting with a Pakistani delegation, Iran’s president said that despite past experiences of distrust and broken agreements with Washington, Tehran is willing to continue discussions, emphasizing that national interests remain its top priority. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson also described the ceasefire as a positive step and linked it to previous understandings between Iran and the United States.

Analysts cited in the report noted that while these statements signal a positive tone, major differences persist between the two countries. Key areas of contention include Iran’s nuclear program, uranium stockpiles, the Strait of Hormuz, ballistic missile development, and regional relations. Despite signs of progress, the overall picture shows that the rift between Tehran and Washington remains evident.

The report suggests that further detailed discussions will be necessary to address these unresolved issues before any substantial improvement in relations can occur.

Pakistan has indicated positive signals surrounding a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran. Islamabad is actively working to bring both sides to face-to-face discussions, while security measures in the Pakistani capital have been strengthened amid heightened diplomatic activity.

According to related sources, the dialogue process remains fragile but is being tightly managed. Pakistan continues to facilitate message exchanges between Tehran and Washington and maintains an optimistic stance about advancing the second round of negotiations.

Officials in Pakistan stated that they have communicated with both parties and are receiving encouraging indications from each side. They expressed hope that the ongoing discussions could eventually lead to a significant agreement.

An Israeli analyst has suggested that Turkey and Pakistan may emerge as Israel’s primary rivals in the future, replacing Iran. Writing in the Israeli daily Maariv, analyst Boaz Golani argued that Iran’s prolonged economic crisis and the toll of ongoing conflicts have weakened its military capacity, potentially shifting the regional balance of power. He described this as part of a broader transformation in the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.

Golani noted that both Turkey and Pakistan are large, Sunni-majority nations with strong militaries and established ties with the United States, factors that make them significant players from Israel’s perspective. Recent tensions between Israel and Turkey have intensified over the Gaza war and influence in Syria, with leaders from both sides exchanging sharp remarks. Pakistan, meanwhile, has maintained a critical stance toward Israel, with its defense minister recently labeling Israel as a threat to humanity before deleting the statement.

Golani cautioned that once Israel’s conflict with Iran subsides, it must prepare for potential direct confrontations with new adversaries, warning that either alternative would pose serious challenges.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that no date has been set for the second round of talks between the United States and Iran. Speaking at a weekly briefing on Thursday, he said discussions between the two countries are ongoing on nuclear and other issues. Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan would not comment on the positions of Tehran or other parties involved and that maintaining confidentiality about the talks is essential.

He urged the media to refrain from speculation about the discussions. Andrabi added that decisions regarding participants and the size of delegations for the next round would be made by the parties themselves, and the schedule would be announced once finalized.

The statement comes as a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which began on April 8 following more than a month of conflict, is set to expire on April 22.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the recently declared ceasefire in Lebanon, expressing hope that it will contribute to lasting peace in the region. In a post on social media platform X, he described the ceasefire as the result of ‘courageous’ diplomatic efforts led by Donald Trump.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that Islamabad will continue to back all initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the region. The statement came as Sharif is on a regional tour, having arrived in Qatar on Thursday for meetings with regional leaders. He previously visited Saudi Arabia and plans to travel to Turkey next.

According to the report, Pakistan has already hosted the first round of talks between the United States and Iran as part of a potential new phase of dialogue, with a second round expected in the coming days.

US President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran are close to reaching an agreement, claiming that Iran has agreed to hand over its uranium. This development addresses one of the main obstacles in the ongoing negotiations between the two countries. Earlier, the United States had warned of renewed airstrikes and maintained naval blockades on Iranian ports if no agreement was reached.

At the same time, a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect. The Israeli military reported retaliatory strikes following rocket fire from Lebanon just before the truce began. Both countries’ prime ministers welcomed the ceasefire. Separately, the United States and Iran had also agreed to a different ceasefire arrangement.

Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. On Thursday, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir met Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, who led Iran’s delegation in the first round of talks last week that ended without agreement.

Gaza’s Civil Defense agency reported that four Palestinians, including a nine-year-old child, were killed in Israeli attacks across several areas of the enclave. The incidents occurred despite a ceasefire that has been in effect since October 10. According to the agency’s spokesperson, the child, Saleh Badawi, died after being shot in Gaza City’s Zeitoun area. Two brothers were killed in a drone strike near a school in Beit Lahia, and another man, Mohsin Oda al-Dabbari, was shot dead near Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

The Israeli military confirmed that it had killed two “terrorists” in Beit Lahia, claiming they crossed the “Yellow Line” and posed a threat to soldiers. It said it was still verifying reports about the deaths of the child and another person in southern Gaza. The ceasefire was implemented more than two years after the war began in October 2023, following Hamas’s cross-border attack.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, at least 766 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, a figure the United Nations considers reliable. The Israeli military reported five soldiers killed during the same period, though AFP said it could not independently verify the casualty numbers due to restricted media access.

An Iranian group called Explosive Media has gained global attention for its Lego-style animated videos that criticize the United States and former President Donald Trump. One of its most-watched productions, released on March 29, depicts victims of US actions worldwide, from enslaved Black Americans to those killed in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Iran Air Flight 655. The video ends with collapsing statues of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under the slogan “One Vengeance for All.” The Tehran-based group’s YouTube channel was later deleted by Google for allegedly promoting violence, a claim the creators dispute.

Explosive Media, composed of ten young Iranians aged 19 to 25, uses rap beats and symbolic colors to convey messages of resistance and justice. The group says it operates independently, though some state-affiliated media purchase its content. Analysts told Al Jazeera that such videos help Iran challenge Western-dominated narratives, using humor and cultural symbols to appeal to global audiences. The trend has spread to Pakistan, where local creators have produced similar Lego-themed videos.

Experts suggest Iran’s digital campaign aims to influence public opinion rather than achieve military success, using creative propaganda to counter US messaging online.

US President Donald Trump announced that Iran has proposed not to pursue nuclear weapons for more than 20 years. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, he said the United States and Iran were close to reaching an agreement, with the next round of talks possibly taking place on Saturday. Later in Las Vegas, Trump expressed hope that ongoing tensions could soon end.

He noted that earlier talks in Islamabad had stalled over disagreements about Iran’s nuclear program, but now the situation appeared more positive. Trump added that a potential deal could stabilize global energy markets, lower oil prices, and reduce inflation and nuclear risks. He also mentioned that it was still uncertain whether the two-week ceasefire that began on April 8 would be extended, though Tehran seemed interested in reaching an agreement.

The conflict intensified after a joint US-Israeli strike on February 28, which caused thousands of deaths and pushed oil prices above $100. Analysts believe a US-Iran deal could mark a major diplomatic success for the Trump administration and help keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz open.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon announced by US President Donald Trump. The ceasefire follows weeks of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that began last month. The Saudi statement was released through the country’s official news agency, emphasizing support for peace efforts in Lebanon.

According to the ministry’s statement, Saudi Arabia praised the political leadership of Lebanon for its constructive role during the crisis. The statement specifically commended President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for their positive contributions toward achieving the ceasefire.

The announcement reflects Saudi Arabia’s endorsement of diplomatic efforts to stabilize Lebanon after the recent escalation of violence. The ministry’s remarks align with broader regional calls for de-escalation and political dialogue.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer jointly chaired a meeting on Friday to discuss forming a multinational force to secure the Strait of Hormuz after the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel ends. The video conference, held at noon GMT, included nearly 30 European leaders and several others from outside the region. According to the Élysée Palace, the mission would ensure freedom of navigation and protect commercial shipping once conditions allow.

The discussions followed Iran’s blockade of the vital waterway after the U.S. and Israel launched military action against Tehran on February 28, which sharply increased global oil prices. Although a fragile ceasefire is in place, the U.S. continues to enforce its own blockade on Iranian ports. European leaders fear prolonged restrictions could worsen inflation, food shortages, and fuel disruptions. France’s foreign minister warned that the blockade is severely affecting the global economy and French citizens’ daily lives.

Officials said the proposed mission would only deploy after the war ends. Macron and Starmer are also leading efforts to form a European force to support Ukraine once its conflict with Russia concludes.

French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin has said that European countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, and France possess mine-clearing capabilities that could help secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with TF1 television, she stated that European nations are capable of escorting ships passing through this strategic waterway. She added that the issue would be raised at a meeting scheduled in Paris on Friday, aimed at demonstrating that U.S. allies are prepared to support free maritime movement through the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies are transported. The French minister’s remarks highlight ongoing international attention to maintaining security and freedom of navigation in this vital corridor.

The Paris meeting is expected to focus on coordination among allied nations to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels, reflecting broader efforts to safeguard global energy supply lines.

US President Donald Trump announced that Washington is close to reaching a significant agreement with Iran aimed at easing ongoing tensions. Speaking at an economic meeting in Las Vegas, he said Iran has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium, one of the main obstacles in the negotiations. Trump added that new talks could begin by the end of the week and described the situation as progressing very well, expressing hope that the conflict would soon end.

Earlier at the White House, Trump stated that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons and to transfer its enriched uranium, reportedly stored underground after US and Israeli airstrikes. However, Iran has not yet issued any official response to Trump’s claims.

Trump also suggested that the current ceasefire with Iran might not need to be extended, with only five days remaining before it expires.