Israel announced it will begin talks with Lebanon for a truce but will continue military operations against Iran-aligned Hezbollah. PM Netanyahu denied that the US-Iran ceasefire covers the conflict, while Iran insists fighting must stop. President Trump expressed optimism about a peace deal with Iran, and the Persian Gulf showed relative calm.
A Hezbollah MP rejected direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, demanding adherence to a ceasefire as a precondition. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the start of direct negotiations aimed at disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace. The US President stated that Israel would scale back its attacks in Lebanon.
Israel resumed offensive operations against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, but faced pressure from the Trump administration. Consequently, PM Netanyahu authorized direct talks with Lebanon, moderating the military action. Iran condemned the Israeli strikes as a ceasefire violation and warned of strong responses.
Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad stated the group opposes direct negotiations with Israel, insisting the Lebanese government must condition talks on a ceasefire. He stressed that Israeli troop withdrawal and the return of displaced persons are prerequisites for any dialogue. This statement comes despite Israeli PM Netanyahu's directive to initiate direct talks.
US President Trump criticized Iran's actions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, calling its obstruction of oil passage 'very poor job.' Separately, Israeli PM Netanyahu authorized direct talks with Lebanon to counter Iranian-backed militants and boost ceasefire efforts. These developments are impacting the fragile ceasefire atmosphere in the Middle East.