Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Takes Hold Amid Fragile Truce and Trump Hints at Iran Deal Weekend Talks

A fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on Thursday, sparking celebrations in Beirut with gunfire and rocket sounds echoing for about 30 minutes after midnight.

However, tensions lingered as the Lebanese Army reported Israeli shelling in southern villages shortly after the truce began. Israel’s military maintained deployments there, citing ongoing Hezbollah activity, while the group claimed operations until just before the deadline. Trump urged Hezbollah on social media to respect the ceasefire for lasting peace.

President Donald Trump voiced strong optimism about ending the Iran war ‘pretty soon,’ noting a potential US-Iran meeting over the weekend. He highlighted Iran’s offer to forgo nuclear weapons for over 20 years, following talks in Islamabad, and described current relations as surprisingly good after weeks of bombing and blockade.

The conflict, ignited by a US-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28, has caused thousands of deaths and skyrocketed oil prices due to the Strait of Hormuz closure. Trump plans White House talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, directing top officials to secure enduring peace.

Diplomatic progress includes US proposals for a 20-year Iranian nuclear suspension and emerging compromises on enriched uranium stockpiles. Iran seeks UN guarantees and a permanent ceasefire before reopening the strait, with Pakistan mediating breakthroughs amid warnings of renewed combat if no deal is reached.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)