Middle East War Day 56: Iran Foreign Minister Arrives in Pakistan for Peace Talks

PARIS (AFP) — The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran entered its 56th day. US forces have deployed three aircraft carriers to the Middle East, a scale unseen since the 2003 Iraq War. US Central Command reported that these groups consist of over 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel. Simultaneously, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for scheduled peace talks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the freezing of $344 million in Iran-linked cryptocurrency assets to increase pressure as energy supplies face disruption. On the ground, Israel reported killing six Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah claimed to have shot down an Israeli drone. Despite a 3-week ceasefire extension between Israel and Hezbollah, airstrikes continue. Economic impacts are widening: Brent crude returned to over $100 per barrel, and Malaysian condom maker Karex raised prices by 30% due to supply chain issues. The EU and IEA warn of tight energy markets through 2027 and call for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.