WASHINGTON DC: A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force on Thursday, while Donald Trump indicated that a new round of talks between the United States and Iran could take place over the weekend, raising hopes that the ongoing conflict may be nearing resolution.
Trump stated that Iran had proposed refraining from developing nuclear weapons for more than two decades, an issue that had remained a major obstacle during recent discussions in Islamabad. Expressing cautious optimism, he told reporters outside the White House that a deal with Iran could be within reach.
The conflict with Iran, which began on February 28 following a joint U.S.-Israeli strike, has resulted in thousands of deaths and driven up global oil prices, posing a significant political challenge for the U.S. administration. A broader agreement involving Iran could also help restore access to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In Beirut, celebratory gunfire and rockets were heard as the ceasefire took effect at midnight. However, the truce appeared fragile. Lebanon’s state news agency reported continued Israeli shelling and gunfire in southern areas shortly after the ceasefire began.
The Israeli military urged residents not to move south of the Litani River, stating that its forces remain deployed due to ongoing activity by Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its final attack occurred just minutes before the ceasefire deadline, underscoring the tense and uncertain nature of the pause in hostilities.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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