Diplomats Seek 2nd Round Of U.S.-Iran Talks

The standoff between the United States and Iran deepened as the U.S. declared it had blockaded Iran’s ports. Tehran threatened to strike targets across the region, and Pakistan said it was racing to bring the sides together for more talks. Though last week’s ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the Strait of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities. Meanwhile in Washington, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon were set to begin. They would be the first such negotiations in decades. Talks aimed at permanently ending the conflict in Iran failed to produce an agreement last weekend. Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round in the coming days.