WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM: US President Donald Trump has confirmed the extension of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon for another three weeks. The decision follows high-level talks at the White House with regional representatives. The extension is part of broader diplomatic efforts to contain the ongoing unrest in the Middle East and prevent the conflict from escalating further into a regional war. Despite the diplomatic progress, the situation on the ground remains highly volatile.
In a strong statement regarding the ongoing conflict with Tehran, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth asserted that the naval blockade against Iranian shipping will remain in place “as long as it takes.” He emphasized that the US is prepared to maintain maritime pressure to ensure security objectives are met, signaling that there will be no immediate relief for Iranian maritime trade.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hezbollah of attempting to “sabotage” peace efforts with Lebanon. In his first remarks following the ceasefire extension, Netanyahu claimed that while Israel is committed to a historic peace process, Hezbollah’s actions are aimed at disrupting these diplomatic strides. “We have started a process to reach a historic peace between Israel and Lebanon, and it’s clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage this,” the Prime Minister stated on Friday.
With input from Gulf News.
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