Islamabad, Pakistan – Delegations from the United States and Iran arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday evening to attempt to negotiate a resolution to escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to live coverage on CBC News Network.

The talks come after weeks of U.S. military action against Iranian targets, and despite Iran continuing to block approximately 20% of global oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, exerting pressure on the global economy. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Strait “will fully open with them with or without them,” issuing what was described as a veiled threat.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker has indicated that talks will only commence if a ceasefire is established in Lebanon and Iran’s blocked assets are released. According to commentators on CBC News Network, Iran remains in a strong negotiating position, controlling the Strait of Hormuz and retaining highly enriched uranium.

Gaza Ceasefire in Jeopardy

Alongside the Iran negotiations, the situation in Gaza remains dire. Relief workers are describing the current ceasefire as “a ceasefire in name only,” with ongoing violence and a lack of adequate aid reaching the territory. More than 670 Palestinians have been killed since last October, according to Gaza health officials.

Aid agencies report that insufficient supplies are reaching Gaza through the single Israeli crossing point. Hamas has stated it will not disarm until Israel fulfills promises regarding aid and withdrawal, a claim disputed by Israel, who blame Hamas for the lack of progress.

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