The Middle East is still fragile with US-Iran talks deadlocked. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited progress in talks, both sides acknowledge significant gaps remain, with Iran calling US demands "excessive and contradictory." Oil prices rose amid skepticism over diplomatic breakthroughs. Pakistan's military chief visited Tehran to mediate, as Iran continues diplomatic efforts but confirms no deal yet. Meanwhile, US officials describe negotiations as "agonizing," and sources reveal preparations for potential military strikes, though no final decision is made. Regional tensions escalated with an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. Iran appointed a negotiation spokesperson amid the ongoing crisis.