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U.S. Threatens Harsher Economic Pressure on Iran as Mediators Rush to Secure Second Ceasefire Talks

  A woman walks past a digital screen displaying news of US-Iran peace talks along a road in Islamabad on April 10, 2026 The United States has warned it will step up economic pressure on Iran while mediators race to arrange a second round of ceasefire talks before the fragile truce expires on April 22, 2026 — a standoff that risks higher oil prices, tighter global markets, and direct costs for Canadian households and investors.   Background and diplomatic timeline A two‑week ceasefire that paused nearly seven weeks of fighting was brokered to create a narrow diplomatic window for talks between Washington and Tehran. The first round of face‑to‑face negotiations in Islamabad lasted more than 20 hours but ended without an agreement, leaving the truce set to expire on April 22, 2026 unless mediators secure a follow‑up session.  Mediators led by Pakistan, with active roles from Turkey, Egypt and other regional actors, have been shuttling between capitals to bridge the remaini...

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Diplomatic Push in Beirut Amid Rising Tensions Between Israel and Hezbollah


A high-stakes diplomatic effort unfolded in Beirut on Monday as U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack met with Lebanese officials to discuss a proposal aimed at disarming Hezbollah. The visit came just hours after Israel intensified its military campaign with fresh airstrikes and a cross-border ground assault targeting the Iran-backed group.

The U.S. plan, first presented in June, proposes that Hezbollah fully disarm within four months in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a halt to Israeli air raids. Lebanese leaders have formed a committee to draft a formal response, while Hezbollah is expected to submit its feedback through Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Hezbollah, still reeling from last year’s devastating war with Israel, has reportedly rejected any further disarmament unless Israeli troops fully withdraw and cease targeting its members. The group has already handed over several weapons depots to the Lebanese army under a U.S.-brokered truce, but insists that continued Israeli occupation violates the agreement.

Barrack expressed optimism after receiving Lebanon’s official response, calling it “spectacular” and signaling Washington’s readiness to support Lebanon’s political and economic recovery.

The outcome of these talks could reshape the fragile balance in the region, where the line between diplomacy and escalation remains razor-thin.

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