Pakistan Mediates Ceasefire Extension, Nuclear Talks

0:00It's April 16th. You're listening to Europe News today, AI-powered coverage from across the continent. I'm Cory with the story. Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, just met with Iran's parliament speaker in Tehran to push for extending the two-week ceasefire that's, Paul's nearly seven weeks of intense fighting between Israel, the U.S., and Iran. Pakistan stepped up as a key mediator after hosting direct U.S. Iran talks that narrowed some gaps. And now everyone's eyeing a new round in Islamabad. Before the truth runs out next week, the ceasefire is holding so far, even with a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports and threats from Tehran to hit back at regional shipping. This war has killed at least 3,000 in Iran, over 2,111 in Lebanon, two dozen in Israel, and more across the Gulf, plus 13 U.S. troops. It's rocked global markets too, spiking oil prices early on before they dipped on peace hopes, while shipping through key straits, ground to a halt.

1:01Mediators are zeroing in on big hurdles like Iran's nuclear program, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and war-damage payouts, with some in principle, progress, but fresh threats from Iranian commanders against any extension. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Heggsef says they'll block Iran's nukes either through a deal or force, as new sanctions loom. Meanwhile, crossfire keeps raging between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, where the President shut down direct talks with Israel's Prime Minister. Leaving diplomats scrambling to stitch together a wider calm before tensions boil over again.