EXPLAINERA Pakistan-brokered US-Iran ceasefire has taken effect, but disputes over its scope are fuelling regional tensions. Published On 10 Apr 202610 Apr 2026Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered officials to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible”, citing requests from Beirut as tensions remain high despite a broader regional ceasefire.Lebanon declared a day of mourning on Thursday after Israeli attacks killed at least 200 people and wounded more than 1,000 in a single day. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the strikes violated the US-Iran ceasefire and warned that they threatened to undermine negotiations, adding that Tehran would not abandon Lebanon.US President Donald Trump said American forces will remain around Iran until a “real agreement” is fully enforced, warning of further conflict if not.Here is what we know:In Iran
Major leadership casualties: Iranians are holding nationwide rallies to honour their assassinated leader, Ali Khamenei. Former foreign minister and head of Iran’s Council on Foreign Relations, Kamal Kharrazi, has died.
Iran pushes for sanctions relief: Analysts say Tehran may be using its leverage over the Strait of Hormuz to push for sanctions relief and a return to the global economy.
Alex Vatanka of the Middle East Institute said Iran’s plan includes lifting both primary and secondary sanctions to allow foreign investment and trade: “They want to be a normal country,” adding that while Hormuz could generate revenue, it is not a sustainable path.
Iran leader issues new message: Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said in his latest written message that the Islamic republic did not want war with the US and Israel – but would protect its rights as a nation, state television reported. Khamenei has not been seen in public since the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28.
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Status of the US-Iran ceasefire: A Pakistani-negotiated ceasefire between the US and Iran is underway but its precise scope is causing regional tensions.
Ongoing diplomatic efforts: The UN chief’s envoy, Jean Arnault, met Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Tehran and visited sites damaged by recent strikes. He is expected to continue talks in Pakistan.
Pakistan to host US-Iran talks: Pakistan, …