US President Donald Trump announced on social media that Israeli and Lebanese leaders are set to engage in dialogue for the first time in over three decades. The White House denied reports of requesting a two-week extension for the ceasefire with Iran, while Iran has not agreed to an extension at the current moment.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his efforts to facilitate communication between Israel and Lebanon after a prolonged period of silence between the two nations. Meanwhile, tensions persist between the US and Iran, with a US blockade of Iranian ports in place and Iran threatening retaliation across the Middle East. Additional US troops, including those on the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, are being deployed to the region.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the international community’s unanimous demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in a call with the Iranian counterpart. Wang stressed the importance of respecting Iran’s sovereignty and security while ensuring freedom of navigation through the strait.
Wang characterized the current situation as a critical juncture between war and peace, highlighting the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions through negotiations. Iran expressed willingness to continue pursuing realistic solutions through dialogue.
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