US-Iran Ceasefire Begins Amid Israeli Strikes on Lebanon

A fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect on Wednesday, mediated by Pakistan, but its scope quickly became a flashpoint after Israel launched its heaviest strikes yet on neighboring Lebanon, killing at least 200 people and wounding hundreds more. The attacks, which targeted densely populated areas including central Beirut, prompted outrage from international leaders and threats of retaliation from Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, raising fears that the truce could unravel before planned peace talks in Islamabad on Saturday.

The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump late Tuesday, aims to halt direct hostilities between the U.S., Israel, and Iran while reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz for oil shipments. Trump stated that the agreement excludes ongoing Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, describing them as a separate conflict. "Because of Hezbollah, they were not included in the deal," Trump told reporters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this, affirming support for the pause with Iran but insisting that strikes on Lebanon would continue to counter the militant group. Netanyahu's office clarified...