Rare Israel–Lebanon talks underway at US State Dept. HQ after Fresh Attacks

TEHRAN/WASHINGTON – A rare and closely watched moment unfolds as Israel and Lebanon sit down for direct talks inside US State Department headquarters. The meeting comes in the shadow of renewed violence, with fresh attacks heightening tensions across the region. Against this backdrop, US officials are hosting the negotiations in an effort to prevent further escalation and open a narrow path toward de-escalation between two long-hostile neighbors. Washington becomes center of high-stakes diplomatic storm as Israeli and Lebanese officials enter their fourth round of direct talks, reportedly under pressure from US President Donald Trump, who claims both sides have agreed to steps toward de-escalation. The two-day meeting at the US State Department comes as the region edges dangerously close to wider escalation. At the same time, Tehran is weighing a controversial US-backed draft deal aimed at freezing the conflict between Washington and Tehran. Iranian sources say no final response has been issued, with Tehran taking a hardline stance amid deep mistrust of the United States. Trump, meanwhile, insists negotiations are advancing and has suggested a temporary ceasefire agreement could be extended soon—potentially reopening Hormuz. Despite a fragile ceasefire holding since early April, violence has not stopped entirely. Limited strikes continue between Iran and US-linked forces, while the wider war that erupted in late February has already killed thousands, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, and shaken global energy stability. Iran’s restrictions on Hormuz through sent global energy markets into panic. Oil prices briefly dipped on Tuesday after recent spikes, but analysts warn that global reserves are falling toward dangerously low levels, raising fears of a supply shock. On another front, Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon continues to intensify. Israeli strikes hit multiple towns in the south despite US-led efforts to prevent further escalation. The conflict has already driv