US and Israel Launch Military Operation in Iran Region

US-Iran Talks in Limbo Amid Escalating Tensions

A second round of US-Iran talks is set to take place on Monday in Pakistan, according to a statement released by US President Donald Trump on Sunday. The talks were announced hours after the capture of an Iranian-flagged container ship by US Marines near the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident has sparked concerns that tensions between the two countries are escalating. In response to the capture, Tehran has pledged to retaliate against the United States. The attack occurred just days before a ceasefire deal, which was established over a month ago, is set to expire on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, reaffirming his government’s readiness to mediate the conflict. Trump has also announced that he will be sending a team to Islamabad for talks, while threatening to target Iran’s power plants and bridges if a deal is not reached.

The ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by Pakistan, is set to expire on Wednesday. The status of the second round of US-Iran talks remains uncertain, as Tehran has not confirmed its participation.

Source: Al Jazeera