Cathay Pacific to Resume Middle East Flights Amid Diplomatic Progress

Hong Kong’s main airline, Cathay Pacific, announced the resumption of its Middle East flights. This follows diplomatic advancements between the United States and Iran, with mediators reporting positive talks. The indirect negotiations in Doha, which involved President Trump and officials from Qatar and Pakistan, have shown signs of diplomatic stability despite recent hostilities.

Cathay had stopped flights to Dubai and Riyadh in late February due to escalating conflict, which has also led to increased fuel surcharges because of rising oil prices. The airline plans to restart daily passenger flights to Dubai and four-times-weekly flights to Riyadh starting September 1. Cargo services to Riyadh will begin again on August 1. The company emphasized its intent to keep a close watch on developments in the Middle East leading up to these dates.

“Cathay will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East prior to the resumption dates,” the company said.

Meanwhile, Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, urged a massive turnout for the funeral of the country’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei died in U.S.-Israeli strikes at the onset of the war. Ghalibaf, also Iran’s parliament speaker, called for the event to be historic for Islamic Iran with millions expected to attend. The funeral, postponed due to the war, is set to proceed following recent diplomatic talks. Officials expect a turnout of 15 to 20 million mourners, marking Iran’s largest state funeral.

In related international news, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif plans to attend Khamenei’s funeral. Pakistan and Iran share deep historical ties and a lengthy border. This visit is part of ongoing regional diplomacy to end the conflict. Sharif will also visit Turkey for meetings with Turkish officials.

Former Trump National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster voiced skepticism regarding the progress of U.S.-Iran negotiations. McMaster, now a CBS News contributor, expressed concerns that Iran might be benefiting more from the talks, highlighting how the U.S. lifted sanctions on Iranian oil, potentially aiding Iran’s military rebuilding efforts. Despite this, Trump remains optimistic, noting progress in compliance with a 60-day U.S.-Iran agreement.

The indirect talks, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, continue to focus on a ceasefire initiated by the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The next meeting will follow the funeral proceedings in Iran. Vice President JD Vance has reported positive developments in the talks but did not eliminate the possibility of returning to military action if Iran resumes aggression or nuclear activities.

In other military developments, three crew members of a U.S. Navy helicopter were rescued following an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea. The search continues for one missing crew member of the helicopter from the USS George H.W. Bush. The Navy stated there is no evidence of hostile action involved.

Iranian media released the funeral schedule for Khamenei, detailing events across several cities in Iran and Iraq. The funerals will begin on July 4, with Tehran hosting events over three days and the main procession on July 6. The series of funeral events will conclude in Mashhad on July 9.