ISLAMABAD
European powers are intensifying calls for the recently agreed US-Iran ceasefire to be extended to Lebanon, warning that ongoing Israeli military actions are placing the fragile truce under severe strain.
EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Israel’s “heavy-handed actions” in Lebanon are endangering the ceasefire. “Israeli actions are putting the US-Iran ceasefire under severe strain. The Iran truce should extend to Lebanon,” she said, adding that Hezbollah must disarm.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and French officials echoed these concerns, urging the inclusion of Lebanon to prevent further regional destabilisation. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other global partners for recognising Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts in brokering the US-Iran ceasefire.
PM Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and expressed gratitude to countries like China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar for their support. In a related development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi — the first such high-level contact since the conflict began — to discuss ways to reduce tensions and restore security and stability in the region.
Medical authorities in Iran reported that more than 3,000 Iranians were killed during the war that erupted in late February. Iran’s forensic chief shared the figures with state media, noting significant challenges in identifying many of the deceased.On the ground in Lebanon, the Israeli military claimed it killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, in a strike on Beirut.
The operation is part of intensified Israeli actions against Hezbollah targets despite the broader US-Iran truce. Separately, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the latest regional developments in a telephone conversation with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, with both sides agreeing to stay in close contact on matters of mutual interest.
The ceasefire between the US and Iran, described as a two-week pause, remains under pressure as fighting continues in Lebanon and concerns grow over its long-term sustainability. European leaders, including those from the UK and France, are pushing for swift diplomatic steps to broaden the truce and prevent a wider escalation. — DNA
