US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iranian Negotiating Team To Arrive In Islamabad Tonight, More Israeli Strikes Hit South Lebanon
Lebanon mourns at least 254 deaths from Israeli attacks, with over 1,165 injured. Prime Minister Salam seeks to mobilize resources against Israel. Netanyahu asserts Lebanon is excluded from ceasefire, while Iran emphasizes a choice between peace or war.
- World News
- 9 min read
Iran's supreme national security council has agreed to a two-week ceasefire and will start talks with the U.S. in Islamabad on Friday, emphasizing it does not mark the war's end and warnings against provocations.
Donald Trump indicated a retreat from threats to intensify attacks if Iran maintains the ceasefire and reopens the Strait of Hormuz, having previously issued severe warnings. Despite indications from both sides for de-escalation, uncertainty over the ceasefire's implementation persists, with missile alerts reported in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that Lebanon is excluded from a US-Iran ceasefire, a position echoed by US Vice President JD Vance. Iran’s Foreign Minister stated that the US must choose between a ceasefire and continued conflict through Israel.
Lebanon has declared a day of mourning following Israeli attacks that resulted in at least 254 deaths and over 1,165 injuries in one day. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is mobilizing political and diplomatic resources to halt the violence.
Israel Claims Killing Dozens of Hezbollah Fighters as Invasion Expands
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Israeli military expands ground operations in southern Lebanon, gaining control and reportedly killing dozens of Hezbollah fighters while seizing firearms, magazines, and explosives in the past week.
Directorate General of Shipping Advises Indian Seafarers in Iran to Stay Indoors, Vigilant
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The Directorate General of Shipping’s Circular 21 of 2026 advises Indian seafarers in Iranian waters to remain indoors, stay onboard vessels, coordinate with the Embassy, and maintain vigilance amidst the security situation.
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Oil Rises And Asian Stocks Retreat On Fragile Iran Ceasefire
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Oil prices climbed above $97 a barrel, with Brent crude increasing 2.9% to $97.46 and U.S. crude rising 3.7% to $97.94 amid doubts about a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Asian stocks declined, with Japan's Nikkei 225 down 0.8%, South Korea's Kospi falling 1.7%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng decreasing 0.2%, and Shanghai Composite dropping 0.8%.
Ship-tracking Data Shows Only 4 Ships Passed Through the Strait of Hormuz Wednesday
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Iranian Delegation Heading to Pakistan Tonight for Talks: Iran’s Ambassador
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, announced an Iranian delegation will visit Islamabad tonight for discussions on Iran's 10-point peace plan, despite skepticism regarding Israeli sabotage of the initiative.
UK Says Ceasefire Should Cover Lebanon
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that the US-Iran ceasefire should encompass Lebanon, condemning Israel's attacks, and insisted on toll-free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel Bombs South Lebanon Town
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Israeli forces have conducted air attacks on the town of Harouf in southern Lebanon, with reports also indicating another attack on al-Duwair, also known as Kherbet el-Doueir.
EU's Kaja Kallas Urges Shift From 'Fragile' US-Iran Ceasefire to Permanent Peace During Riyadh Mission
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Vice-President Kaja Kallas visited Saudi Arabia to discuss transitioning a US-Iran truce into lasting peace. In talks with Saudi officials, she stressed the importance of a stronger EU-Gulf partnership for stability in the Middle East, highlighting the urgency for enhanced cooperation in security and defense amid ongoing regional uncertainties.
US Asks Allies for Quick Plans to Secure Hormuz After Ceasefire
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The US is asking European allies for concrete plans to secure the Strait of Hormuz within days, following discussions between American and NATO officials, including meetings at the White House, Pentagon, and State Department, according to a senior official.
Australia Says US-Iran Ceasefire Should Extend to Lebanon
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for a ceasefire involving Lebanon alongside the US and Iran. He described the truce as a crucial but delicate advance, acknowledging Australians' concerns about the situation's global ramifications.
'Never Made That Promise': Vance Slams Claims of Lebanon's Inclusion in US-Iran Truce Talks
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: US Vice President JD Vance rejected claims of Lebanon's involvement in truce talks with Tehran, emphasizing that the ceasefire focuses solely on Iran and American allies, specifically Israel and Gulf Arab states, without any promises regarding Lebanon.
Islamabad Declares Holidays Ahead of US-Iran Talks
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Pakistan has declared two days of local holidays in Islamabad ahead of expected talks between the United States and Iran, signalling heightened security preparations for the high-level diplomatic engagement. Authorities issued the notification for Thursday and Friday across the Islamabad Capital Territory, a move often associated with major international visits.
Iran Publishes Chart Suggesting It May Have Placed Sea Mines During War
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Semiofficial Iranian news agencies reported that the Revolutionary Guard allegedly placed sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict. A chart indicated a "danger zone" in the Traffic Separation Scheme, suggesting ships reroute near Larak Island. This coincides with ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S.
Trump Says US Military Will Remain In And Around Iran Until ‘Real Agreement’ is ‘Fully Complied With’
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Trump announced on Truth Social that the US will deploy military resources against a degraded enemy, warning of severe consequences if agreements aren't followed, emphasizing no nuclear weapons and ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open and safe.
Australia Moves to Shore Up Fuel Supplies as It Prepares for Extended Disruptions
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UN Condemns Israeli Strikes on Lebanon
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Hezbollah Claims Attacks as Sirens Sound in Northern Israel
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Early Thursday, sirens sounded in Israeli communities near Kiryat Shmona due to Hezbollah’s rocket fire, which targeted Manara. Hezbollah vowed to persist with attacks until Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon ends.
At Least 182 Killed as Israel Strikes Central Beirut After Saying Iran Truce Doesn’t Apply There
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Lebanon’s health ministry reported 182 deaths from Israeli strikes on Wednesday, the highest toll in the Israel-Hezbollah war. Strikes targeted central Beirut amid a fragile ceasefire. Total casualties now stand at 1,739 dead and 5,873 wounded since the war began over five weeks ago.
NATO Chief Says Trump ‘Clearly Disappointed’ With Allies
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Trump criticized NATO, stating it "wasn't there when we needed them" and questioned their reliability. This statement came after a private meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. Rutte acknowledged Trump’s disappointment but highlighted the positive contributions of many European nations regarding logistics and commitments, emphasizing cooperation on Iran's nuclear capacity.
Hezbollah Says Rockets Fired in Response to Israel’s Ceasefire Violations
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Hezbollah launched rockets at Manara settlement in northern Israel, citing Israel's ceasefire violations. They vowed to continue this response until aggression against Lebanon ceases, according to Telegram.
Israeli Attacks in Lebanon a Violation of International Law: Syrian Foreign Ministry
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel for breaching international and humanitarian laws, calling for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to UN Security Council resolutions. It expressed solidarity with Lebanon, urging international accountability for Israeli actions. Recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon resulted in at least 254 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Iranian Envoy Asks China, Russia and Un for Security Guarantees as Part of Ceasefire
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: At a Beijing press conference, Iran's ambassador requested support from allies and the UN for Tehran's long-term security linked to the U.S.-Iran deal. China remained noncommittal, advocating for resolution through dialogue and negotiation instead of guarantees.
Vance Will Lead US Delegation to Islamabad for Talks With Iran
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The White House announced that U.S. Vice President JD Vance will head the U.S. negotiating team in discussions with Iran to achieve a permanent end to war. The delegation will also include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with talks starting Friday in Islamabad, highlighting Vance's significant involvement in the process.
Trump Slams NATO, Threatens Greenland
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Trump criticized NATO on Truth Social for not supporting the US-Israel war on Iran, claiming they weren’t dependable in the past and threatening to seize Greenland from Denmark, alarming European allies.
White House Says Iran Presented a ‘New, Modified Peace Plan That It is Able to ‘Align With Our Own, 15-point Proposal
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the original Iranian 10-point plan was unacceptable and discarded by Trump. However, a new plan has been presented, aligning with the U.S. 15-point proposal for peace negotiations.
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again in Response to Israeli Attacks in Lebanon, Threatening Ceasefire
US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, responding to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which jeopardized a fragile ceasefire after over a month of conflict. The U.S. and Iran declared victory, but tensions escalated with intensified Israeli strikes in Beirut, resulting in at least 112 deaths and hundreds wounded.
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Israel Intercepts Rocket Launched From Lebanon
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