An Iranian woman attends a ceremony marking 40 days since the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed [Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters]By Elizabeth MelimopoulosPublished On 10 Apr 202610 Apr 2026
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered officials to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible”, citing requests from Beirut as tensions remain high despite a broader regional ceasefire.
Lebanon declared a day of mourning on Thursday after Israeli attacks killed at least 200 people and wounded more than 1,000 in a single day. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the strikes violated the US-Iran ceasefire and warned that they threatened to undermine negotiations, adding that Tehran would not abandon Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump said American forces will remain around Iran until a “real agreement” is fully enforced, warning of further conflict if not.
Ongoing diplomatic efforts: The UN chief’s envoy, Jean Arnault, met Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Tehran and visited sites damaged by recent strikes. He is expected to continue talks in Pakistan.
