US President Donald Trump announced a ten-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Trump shared on social media that he had productive discussions with President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of Israel. The ceasefire is set to commence at 5 P.M ET, following the leaders’ agreement to pursue peace between their nations. This development marks the first meeting between the two countries in 34 years, held in Washington DC, with the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The ceasefire is scheduled to start at 10 PM London time.
While Trump made the announcement, there has been no official confirmation from Israel, Lebanon, or Hezbollah, the group engaged in conflict with Israel. The US is currently working on arranging further talks with Iran to bring an end to the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.
Pakistan’s military chief engaged in discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran to de-escalate tensions in the region and facilitate additional negotiations between the US and Iran. This initiative follows nearly seven weeks of conflict in Iran, impacting the wider area, and a heightened crisis in the Strait of Hormuz due to increased US naval activities.
Reportedly, approximately 20 ships have been redirected to Iranian ports by the fleet, with only Chinese vessels managing to navigate through the blockade. Discussions with Iran are likely to take place in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, according to the White House.
Over 10,000 American troops are aiding in enforcing the blockade on Iranian ports, although no boarding of ships has been necessary so far. Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis, criticized the US and Israel for their failure to achieve objectives in the Iran conflict, leading to the current ceasefire that began on April 8 and is set to conclude on April 22.
Al-Houthi expressed optimism that successful negotiations could result in prolonged stability or an end to aggression. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with more than 2,000 fatalities in Lebanon and over a million people displaced due to the fighting.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that among the deceased, 260 are women and 172 are children since the onset of the recent hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2. An escalation in Israel’s military actions followed Hezbollah’s rocket launch towards northern Israel in support of Iran, its primary supporter.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the need for Iran to engage in negotiations for a potential deal. Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and is not seeking nuclear weapons. Discussions are centered around a deal that would delay Iran’s nuclear capabilities for ten to 15 years, reminiscent of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action established during the Obama administration, which was terminated by President Trump.
