Live updates: US seizure of Iran ship casts doubt on ceasefire talks

Key Points:

• Former U.S. President Trump criticized Democrats and the media for their skepticism about his Iran war handling, insisting his Iran deal negotiations are carefully executed and not rushed, denying parallels to Obama’s 2015 deal.
• Direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials are scheduled to continue in Washington, focusing on solidifying a fragile ceasefire and planning broader negotiations despite Hezbollah’s opposition and ongoing Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon.
• Argentina’s President Milei received Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor for his support of Israel and signed the “Isaac Accords” to strengthen Israel-Latin America cooperation, highlighting growing international diplomatic engagement amid Middle East tensions.
• The U.S. and Pakistan are preparing for a second round of Iran-U.S. peace talks in Islamabad amid ongoing military actions in the Persian Gulf, with cautious optimism about diplomatic progress despite recent U.S. seizures of Iranian vessels and Iranian vows of retaliation.
• European and global leaders, including Germany’s Chancellor Merz and Brazil’s President Lula, called for an end to hostilities in the Middle East, warning of widespread economic and political repercussions while emphasizing the need for sustainable peace and humanitarian focus.