Cathay Pacific Resumes Flights to Middle East
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific will restart flights to the Middle East beginning September 1. The airline’s decision follows positive signals in U.S.-Iran negotiations. President Trump, along with Qatari and Pakistani mediators, indicated diplomacy is progressing. Previously, Cathay had suspended its Dubai and Riyadh services due to war-related concerns. The airline announced increases in fuel surcharges as oil prices rose. It plans to operate daily flights to Dubai and thrice-weekly flights to Riyadh, with returning freighter services to Riyadh starting August 1. Cathay Pacific stated vigilance will be maintained on Middle East developments.
Call for Massive Funeral Turnout for Iran’s Supreme Leader
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, urged citizens to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral. Ghalibaf emphasized the event as a national call for vengeance, following Khamenei’s death in U.S.-Israeli strikes. The funeral, starting Saturday, expects 15-20 million participants, marking a historic turnout. The ceremonies will occur after promising developments in U.S.-Iran talks. Speculation surrounds Khamenei’s successor, Mojtaba, who remains unseen. Approximately 30 nations will send representatives.
Pakistan’s Participation in Supreme Leader’s Funeral
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, will attend Khamenei’s funeral. Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed the prime minister’s trip to Iran and Turkey from July 3-5. Pakistan’s involvement in mediating the regional conflict is notable, having historical and cultural ties with Iran. The funeral will take place in Tehran, with the body lying in state for public viewing.
H.R. McMaster Skeptical of U.S.-Iran Diplomacy
Former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster expressed reservations about ongoing U.S.-Iran talks. According to McMaster, Iran benefits financially from the diplomatic interactions. He mentioned the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil and potential unfreezing of assets as financially bolstering Iran. McMaster argued these negotiations provide Iran economic relief, aiding its military and regional proxies.
Progress in U.S.-Iran Talks
Qatar and Pakistan have reported positive steps in ongoing U.S.-Iran discussions. Talks will pause for Khamenei’s funeral. Future meetings are anticipated post-funeral. Both countries play crucial roles in mediating the conflict, building on diplomatic gains from previous summits.
Vice President Vance on Iran Negotiations
U.S. Vice President JD Vance remains cautious about the progress of Iran talks. He indicated military action might resume if Iran escalates its nuclear activities or targets commercial vessels. Vance stressed that ongoing negotiation efforts prioritize peace, though military options remain if situations worsen.
U.S. Helicopter Incident in Arabian Sea
A U.S. Navy helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea; three of four crew members have been rescued. Search efforts continue for the fourth member. No hostile actions are suspected in the incident. The MH-60S Sea Hawk is assigned to USS George H.W. Bush.
Details of Khamenei’s Funeral Ceremonies
The funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will unfold across multiple Iranian cities and Shiite Muslim sites in Iraq. Events begin in Tehran from July 4-6, closing with the main procession. The funeral will shift to Qom, then to Iraqi cities Karbala and Najaf, and conclude in Mashhad on July 9. The massive expected turnout marks it as a historic state funeral in Iran.