Netanyahu Insists Iran Campaign Continues During Critical US Peace Negotiations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphatically declared that the campaign against what he termed the 'Islamic Regime' is 'not over,' even as United States and Iranian negotiators engage in historic peace talks in Pakistan. Speaking via video address on Saturday, Netanyahu asserted that 'we still have more to do' to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while simultaneously claiming 'historic achievements' in the ongoing conflict.
Historic US-Iran Talks Commence in Islamabad
The negotiations in Islamabad represent the first direct meeting between American and Iranian officials in over a decade and the highest-level discussions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. These talks aim to conclude a six-week war that has devastated the region. A crucial element of the negotiations is the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy transit point currently blocked by Iran but which former US President Donald Trump has pledged to reopen.
The waterway remains a major point of contention, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, which described it as an area of 'serious disagreement.' The American military reported that two US warships had navigated through the strait and that operations to clear mines were underway, a claim vehemently denied by Iranian state media.
Delegations Meet Amid Tension and Mourning
The US delegation, including Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, arrived on Saturday and held a two-hour meeting with Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The Iranian delegation, which arrived a day earlier, wore black in mourning for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other war casualties. They reportedly carried personal effects of students killed in a US bombing near a military compound.
Trump declared on social media, 'We're now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favour to Countries all over the World.' Talks are scheduled to resume, with Iran's state-affiliated Nournews indicating discussions would continue into Saturday night or Sunday.
Conflict Expands to Lebanon Despite Ceasefire
Israel, which participated in the initial February 28 attacks on Iran that sparked the war, has continued military operations against Tehran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Netanyahu emphasized that this conflict is separate from the US-Iran ceasefire. In his address, he outlined conditions for peace talks with Lebanon, stating, 'I have given my approval, but on two conditions: we want the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations.'
The Lebanese health ministry reported over 90 fatalities from Israeli air strikes on Saturday alone, raising the war's total death toll to 2,020, including 165 children, nearly 250 women, and 85 medical personnel. Hezbollah claimed multiple military operations against Israeli positions within Lebanon and northern Israel on the same day. Israeli and Lebanese officials plan to hold talks in the United States on Tuesday.
Pope Leo Condemns 'Delusion of Omnipotence' in War
Pope Leo delivered a powerful denunciation of the conflict during an evening prayer service at St. Peter's Basilica, coinciding with the start of US-Iran negotiations. He criticized the 'delusion of omnipotence' driving the war and demanded political leaders cease hostilities and pursue peace. 'Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!' he proclaimed.
The Pope's message appeared directed at Trump and US officials, who have invoked religious rhetoric to justify military actions. Leo stated that God does not bless any war, particularly not those who deploy bombs. He called for prayer to 'break the demonic cycle of evil' and build a peaceful world, warning against using 'the holy name of God' in 'discourses of death.' The service was attended by the Archbishop of Tehran, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, and US deputy chief of mission Laura Hochla.
Initially reserved in his comments, Pope Leo has intensified his criticism since Palm Sunday, recently labeling Trump's threat to annihilate Iranian civilization as 'truly unacceptable' and advocating for dialogue. On Saturday, he urged all people of goodwill to pray for peace and demand an end to the war from their political leaders.
