WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD —A critical weekend of diplomacy faces a dual crisis as U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating existing agreements by blocking shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while a relentless Israeli bombing campaign in Lebanon threatened to collapse a nascent ceasefire before the parties even reached the negotiating table.
Trump Warns Iran Over Hormuz Chaos
President Trump directly challenged Tehran’s conduct in the crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil flows. He characterized Iran's recent handling of the waterway as a "very poor job" and explicitly stated it was "not the agreement we have."
The comments were a direct response to reports that Iranian authorities have begun demanding transit fees from vessels, effectively creating a blockade and causing over 600 ships to remain stranded in the Gulf. "They better not be, and if they are, they better stop now," Trump warned via Truth Social.
Israeli 'Blitz' Strains Ceasefire
The rhetoric from Washington comes amidst a massive military escalation by Israel in Lebanon. On Wednesday, Israeli forces launched a blistering "blitz" of over 100 airstrikes within 10 minutes, the heaviest wave of attacks in six weeks. The strikes continued throughout Thursday, despite temporary reductions in activity overnight.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained defiant regarding a potential cessation of hostilities. While confirming the start of direct talks with the Lebanese government focused on the disarmament of Hezbollah, he rejected immediate ceasefire calls from Beirut, telling residents in northern Israel: "There is no ceasefire in Lebanon."
Trump, however, framed the continuation of strikes differently, claiming that after a conversation with "Bibi," Israel would be "scaling back" to support peace efforts. "I just think we have to be sort of a little more low-key," he told NBC News.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The human cost of the renewed Israeli assault has been catastrophic. Lebanon's health ministry confirmed that Wednesday's strikes killed at least 303 people and wounded 1,150.
The crisis is now paralyzing critical medical infrastructure in the capital, Beirut. Forced evacuation orders, particularly in the Jnah neighborhood, have left two major hospitals completely stranded. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on X that relocating 450 patients—including 40 in intensive care—is "operationally unfeasible" as "no alternative medical facilities are available." Furthermore, the WHO noted that the health ministry headquarters, currently housing over 5,000 displaced people, is also in the evacuation zone.
In Beirut, basic survival is under threat. Displaced families are lining up for food donations amid growing hunger, with children among those facing starvation due to the lack of supplies. This parallel crisis echoes the six-month blockade in Gaza, where aid organizations report that critical medical and humanitarian aid is still being obstructed by Israeli authorities.
Pakistan to Host Critical Summit
This explosive regional backdrop frames the highly anticipated peace negotiations set to begin in Islamabad this weekend. Pakistan will officially host meetings between Washington and Tehran aimed at stabilizing the region.
US Delegation: Led by Vice President JD Vance, joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Iranian Delegation: Expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The talks face immediate obstacles. Iran maintains that the intense Israeli bombardment of Lebanon breaks the terms of the existing (but debated) ceasefire. In contrast, U.S. and Israeli officials have stated that Lebanon, the "second front," was never intended to be part of the initial deal. South Korea has already dispatched a special envoy to Tehran to coordinate the safety of its vessels and citizens stranded by the Hormuz dispute.
The coming days in Pakistan may determine whether diplomacy can regain control, or if the multiple expanding conflicts on the ground will plunge the region into a wider war.
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