U.S.

President Trump announced on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire for three weeks. The ceasefire aims to pause fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militant group.

Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, “The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS. I look forward in the near future to hosting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun.” He also mentioned that the U.S. would assist Lebanon in protecting itself from Hezbollah.

These developments come after Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran before it expired. However, Iran has dismissed the extension, claiming the ongoing U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports violates the deal. As a response, the U.S. Central Command has altered the course of 31 vessels since imposing the blockade.

In another incident, the U.S. Navy seized a tanker transporting oil from Iran in the Indian Ocean, while Iran took control of two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump issued a directive to shoot at any boats laying mines in the strait, prompting a swift response from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

The increased tensions have caused Brent crude oil prices to rise, with disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, there was a change in leadership at the Pentagon where Navy Secretary John Phelan was dismissed following disagreements with senior officials.

In Lebanon, the fragile ceasefire was marred by Israeli strikes that killed journalists and civilians, including Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil. Lebanon accused Israel of targeting journalists, further intensifying the conflict.

Overall, these events highlight the ongoing turmoil in the region and the complex political dynamics at play.