Trump announces rare Lebanon-Israel talks as Pakistan links regional peace to ongoing Iran negotiations.
US President Donald Trump has said Lebanese and Israeli leaders are expected to speak for the first time in decades on Thursday, as diplomatic pressure mounts to ease tensions tied to the wider Middle East conflict.
The development comes as Pakistan insists that peace in Lebanon is essential for broader negotiations involving the United States and Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Tahir Andrabi, said regional stability remains central to the talks being mediated by Islamabad.
The conflict in Lebanon escalated after the war between the United States and Iran spilled over into the region, with Hezbollah backed by Iran entering the fighting in early March. The escalation triggered renewed Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, raising fears of a wider regional war involving Isreal
Israeli officials confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to be involved in the planned communication, describing it as the first high-level contact between both sides in over three decades. A member of Israel’s security cabinet said the engagement would mark a significant diplomatic shift.
However, Lebanese officials said they had no confirmation of any scheduled call between Israeli and Lebanese leadership, including President Joseph Aoun Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s office also said it was unaware of any confirmed contact.
In Washington, Donald Trump said he was working to create “breathing room” between the parties, adding that dialogue could begin soon after years of silence between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah condemned recent diplomatic discussions, warning that they could deepen internal divisions in Lebanon. The group has continued launching rocket attacks, while Israel maintains ongoing ground and air operations in southern Lebanon, particularly around border towns such as Bint Jbeil.
The United States has expressed cautious optimism about reaching a broader agreement to reduce hostilities, though officials say no formal ceasefire framework has been finalized.
