Cathay Pacific Resumes Middle East Flights
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, announced on Thursday that it plans to restart services to the Middle East. This decision follows progress in diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran.
After indirect discussions in Doha, President Trump along with Qatar and Pakistan conveyed optimism about diplomatic efforts, despite earlier hostilities. Cathay Pacific had suspended flights to Dubai and Riyadh in February following the start of regional conflicts.
The airline noted an increase in fuel surcharges due to rising oil prices stemming from the conflict but announced it would resume daily passenger flights to Dubai and four weekly flights to Riyadh starting September 1. Freighter services to Riyadh are set to resume on August 1. Cathay Pacific stated its commitment to monitoring the situation closely before these dates.
Funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, called for a massive turnout at Ali Khamenei’s funeral, who was killed during U.S.-Israeli strikes at the start of the war. He urged Iranians to showcase their unity during the ceremonies beginning Saturday.
The funeral, delayed due to ongoing conflicts, will now take place following reports of positive diplomatic progress. Officials expect 15 to 20 million attendees, marking the largest state funeral in Iran’s history.
Representatives from 30 countries are anticipated to participate, with attendees arriving from neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister to Attend Funeral
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the funeral of Ali Khamenei in Iran. He plans to visit Iran from July 3 to July 5 and then continue to Turkey for meetings with Turkish officials and business leaders.
Pakistan, historically linked with Iran and sharing cultural and religious connections, has been mediating between the U.S. and Iran to resolve ongoing regional tensions.
Progress in U.S.-Iran Diplomacy
Former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster expressed skepticism about current U.S.-Iran negotiations, suggesting that Iran is benefiting financially from current diplomatic efforts. He highlighted America’s lifting of sanctions and potential unfreezing of assets, which could strengthen Iran’s military capabilities.
Vice President JD Vance has stated that while talks show progress, any return to military action depends on Iran’s actions, particularly concerning nuclear initiatives and aggression towards commercial vessels.
Both Qatar and Pakistan announced positive developments in the Doha talks and agreed future discussions will resume after Khamenei’s funeral.
Helicopter Incident in Arabian Sea
Three members of a U.S. Navy helicopter crew were rescued after a sea landing in the Arabian Sea. A search for the fourth crew member is ongoing. Officials report no indications of hostile action leading to the helicopter’s emergency landing.