Israel’s military leadership has begun preparing for a potential renewed conflict with Iran, according to Israeli media reports citing defence sources, even as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington have broken down without agreement.
The development comes amid intensifying regional tensions and continued cross-border violence. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have reportedly killed at least five people in Qana and six more in Maaroub, the National News Agency said. Lebanon’s Health Ministry estimates that since March 2, at least 2,020 people have been killed and 6,436 wounded in Israeli attacks.
The diplomatic track appears to have stalled decisively. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the United States “ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation” during extended negotiations held in Islamabad. On the US side, Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the breakdown, stating the talks ended without a deal after Iran rejected what he described as a “final and best offer.”
A US official confirmed that all American negotiators have now departed Pakistan following the failed discussions. Speaking during a refuelling stop at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the official said no members of the delegation remained in Islamabad for follow-up or informal talks. This includes key figures such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, whose continued presence had been the subject of speculation after the talks failed to produce meaningful progress.
International reactions have underscored concern over the diplomatic impasse. Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong called for a “return to negotiations,” while British officials also expressed disappointment at the lack of a breakthrough, urging continued engagement to avoid further escalation.
Meanwhile, Iran is focusing on internal recovery after recent conflict-related damage. A deputy oil minister said the country aims to restore refining and distribution capacity to between 70 and 80 percent of pre-war levels within two months.
In a parallel diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a call with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, offering Moscow’s support in mediating a resolution. According to the Kremlin, Putin “emphasised his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement” and to help achieve “a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
With negotiations stalled, military preparations underway, and regional violence continuing, the situation remains volatile, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.
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