ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Delegations from the United States and Iran arrived in Pakistan on Sunday to attempt to negotiate a ceasefire and address escalating tensions in the Middle East, as reported by CBC News during its live broadcast.

The talks come as Iran continues to exert pressure on the global economy by blocking approximately 20% of global oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the waterway is within its territorial waters. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the strait “will fully open with or without them,” issuing a veiled threat to Iran.

These negotiations follow weeks of U.S. bombing that targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. Iran is also demanding a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of its blocked assets as preconditions for talks.

Simultaneously, Israel continues its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with airstrikes reportedly killing hundreds this week. Israel has agreed to discuss a ceasefire with Lebanon next Tuesday but is not directly engaging with Hezbollah or Iran.

CBC News reported that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is reportedly skeptical of the talks and is leading the U.S. negotiating team.

Beyond the immediate conflict, the situation in Gaza remains dire. According to Gaza health officials, over 670 Palestinians have been killed since last October. Canadian medic Jody Pritchard described the situation as one of “massive” need, with aid deliveries severely restricted.

In other news, police in Ontario are searching for suspects after a shooting at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario, left one man dead and two others injured. Eight people were hospitalized following a chlorine gas exposure at a public pool in Victoria, British Columbia, caused by the accidental mixing of two chemicals.

Finally, the Canadian Liberal Party is gathering in Montreal, nearing a potential majority government after recent floor crossings. The party faces three by-elections on Monday.