Following escalating conflicts in the Middle East, Pakistan has emerged as the key mediator arranging urgent ceasefires in both Yemen and Lebanon, according to Reuters.

The federal government has tightened security around Islamabad’s five-star Serena Hotel in preparation for the high-profile US-Iran peace talks. Despite earlier confusion, both US and Iranian delegations are expected to attend and stay at the venue as planned.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz after reports in the US media misrepresented former President Trump’s position on Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon. The disruption has pushed oil prices near $100 per barrel, while shipping traffic through the Strait has plunged to less than 10% of normal levels since the conflict began.

Israel maintains that its strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon are outside the scope of Trump’s ceasefire, but both Iran and Pakistan insist Lebanon must be included. Several European nations, including Britain and France, have publicly supported this interpretation.

On Thursday, the Israeli military reported killing the nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, who also served as his personal secretary. Airstrikes targeted Beirut and multiple southern Lebanese towns, leaving the country in turmoil. Lebanon declared a national day of mourning, closed state offices, and emergency teams worked overnight to rescue survivors and recover bodies from collapsed buildings.

Pakistan’s mediation aims to expand the truce framework to encompass both Lebanon and Yemen. Discussions in the upcoming talks will also involve other Gulf nations, with a final decision expected soon.