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Hello and welcome to NewsHour from the BBC World Service.

We're coming to you live from London.

I'm James Menendez.

And our top story today remains the war in Iran as the conflict comes to the end of its fourth week, and in many ways

it remains as intense as ever with continued American and Israeli strikes on Iran's military

and its proxy in Lebanon, and with Iran insisting that it'll maintain its stranglehold over the

Strait of Hormuz, that vital artery for oil and gas exports from the region out to the rest of the

world. And yet there does seem to be some movement towards at least a form of dialogue between

the warring parties. In a moment we'll hear about the impact on people in Tehran of thousands

of airstrikes. But first, we're going to hear from our chief international correspondent

Lee's Doucette. When we spoke yesterday, it was messages being passed, now the prospect of a meeting

between American and Iranian officials. What more can she tell us? Yes, I think this new speculation

comes from the latest comments from Germany's foreign minister,

but I think we have to read very carefully what he said, and let me quote it.

He said that based on my information, there have been indirect contacts confirming that,

indeed, there is a channel between Pakistan and Iran, and preparations have been made to meet directly.

That would be very soon in Pakistan, apparently.

Apparently.

I think that's an important caveat.

There is still no confirmation that this meeting is going to take place,

and indeed, any time soon,

...