explainer
A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran has gone into effect, but disputes over its scope have heightened tensions in the region.
Published April 10, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed authorities to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” citing a request from Beirut, where tensions are high despite a broad regional ceasefire.
Lebanon declared a day of mourning on Thursday after Israeli attacks killed at least 200 people and injured more than 1,000 in a single day. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that the attack violated the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran and could undermine negotiations, adding that Iran had no intention of abandoning Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump has said US troops will remain in Iran’s vicinity until a “real deal” is fully implemented, warning of further conflict if not.
Here’s what we know:
in iran
Key leader casualties: Iranians are holding nationwide rallies in memory of assassinated leader Ali Khamenei. Former foreign minister and chairman of Iran’s Council on Foreign Relations, Kamal Khalaj, has died. Iran seeks sanctions relief: Analysts say the Iranian government may be using its influence over the Strait of Hormuz to push for sanctions relief and a return to the global economy. Alex Batanka of the Middle East Institute said Iran’s plan includes lifting both primary and secondary sanctions to allow foreign investment and trade. “They want to be a normal country,” he said, adding that while Hormuz could generate income, it was not a sustainable path. Iranian leader issues new message: Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in his latest written message that the Islamic Republic does not want war with the United States or Israel, but will protect its rights as a nation, state television reported. Khamenei has not been seen in public since his father Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28.
war diplomacy
US-Iran Ceasefire Status: A Pakistan-negotiated ceasefire between the US and Iran is underway, but its precise scope is causing tensions in the region.
Continued diplomatic efforts: The UN Secretary-General’s special envoy, Jean Arnault, met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Ghalibabadi in Tehran and visited sites affected by recent attacks. He is expected to continue talks in Pakistan.
Pakistan to host US-Iran talks: Pakistan, which helped broker the ceasefire, will host US-Iran talks this weekend. Security has been tightened ahead of the meeting in Islamabad. Israel-Lebanon talks scheduled for Washington: Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold talks in Washington next week, US officials announced Thursday.
on the bay
Saudi Arabia claims Iranian attacks hit energy infrastructure: Saudi Arabia says recent Iranian attacks left one person dead and disrupted oil production. Energy Ministry officials told local media that the attacks targeted oil and gas facilities, petrochemical plants, and electricity infrastructure that affected production and operations in Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Yanbu. Diplomatic push for regional stability: Efforts to contain the fallout from the war are underway across the Gulf. The British Prime Minister visited Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Keir Starmer stressed the need to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and expressed support for regional partners.
in the US
President Trump urges detente: President Trump has pressured Israel to scale back its operations in Lebanon, reportedly telling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be “low-key.” President Trump warns Iran over Hormuz tolls: President Trump has warned Iran against charging shipowners for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is unacceptable.
in israel
Backlash grows in northern Israel: Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing growing criticism from communities in Israel’s north, with local leaders saying they feel abandoned. Opponents claim he launched the attack on Lebanon without a clear endgame. Security concerns remain high, with air raid sirens blaring in Haifa and nearby towns following rocket fire from Lebanon. Growing international pressure: There are increasing calls for restraint worldwide. The head of the World Health Organization called on Israel to withdraw the evacuation threat affecting Beirut’s hospitals treating hundreds of patients. Canada’s foreign minister called on Israel to “respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity.”
in Lebanon and Iraq
Israel issues evacuation order for Beirut: The Israeli military has warned residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs, a longtime stronghold of the Lebanese group Hezbollah, of an impending attack and called on them to evacuate their homes. The attacks continue as ground attacks expand. Air attacks by drones flying low over Beirut continue. Israeli forces are advancing to surround Bint Jubeir, a town of 30,000 people in southern Lebanon. Humanitarian concerns are raised: Lebanon’s medical facilities are treating hundreds of patients and sheltering thousands of displaced people. Prime Minister Netanyahu threatens Hezbollah: Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will continue to attack Hezbollah “whenever necessary.” “We continue to attack Hezbollah with force, precision and determination,” the prime minister said on his personal X account. Drone attack on U.S. facilities in Iraq: The U.S. deputy secretary of state summoned the Iraqi ambassador after a drone attack on a major U.S. diplomatic facility in Baghdad.
