APTOPIX Lebanon Israel Iran War

The U.S. military claims it has successfully begun enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports, escalating tensions with Iran. The Islamic Republic has threatened regional strikes. Recent talks between the U.S. and Iran ended without an agreement, but President Donald Trump suggested a second round could take place in the next two days. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington, as fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants rocks southern Lebanon. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took part, joining the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the U.S.

Diplomats are working through back channels to arrange more talks between the United States and Iran. As Washington blockaded Iranian ports, Tehran threatened to retaliate by striking targets across the region. Though last week’s ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the Strait of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities. Talks last weekend aimed at permanently ending the conflict in Iran failed to produce an agreement. Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round in the coming days. In Washington, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon concluded Tuesday. The U.S. State Department said they were “productive.” They were the first such negotiations in decades.

Lebanon and Israel have held direct diplomatic talks for the first time in decades. Tuesday's more than two-hour meeting in Washington came after more than a month of conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. The State Department praised the two sides for what it called “productive discussions.” Israel's ambassador to the U.S. hailed what he called a convergence of opinion about removing Hezbollah's influence from Lebanon. Lebanon's ambassador to the U.S. called for a ceasefire and to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict. Hezbollah opposed the direct talks and wasn’t represented. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks a “historic opportunity.”