After US President Donald Trump cancelled senior officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s planned visit to Islamabad, Iran also dismissed entering “forced” negotiations with the US under pressure.

Amal Khalil was a devoted journalist who also rescued animals while on the job in southern Lebanon.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected in Pakistan today to participate in talks with Iran, but there are mixed messages.

US President Donald Trump told Fox News he had ordered his envoys not to travel to Pakistan to continue talks with Iranian officials on ending the war.

Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters continued to target each other throughout Friday, a day after a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was announced.

There are also geopolitical beneficiaries. The United States is reinforcing its position as a major energy exporter, particularly to Europe. Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates may benefit from higher prices, although their proximity to the conflict exposes them to risk.

The situation in the Middle East remains tense as military activity and diplomatic efforts continue at the same time.

A third Navy aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), arrived in the Middle East on April 23 to help with Trump's blockade of Iranian ports, according to the Wall Street Journal.