TEHRAN -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that, in line with the truce in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared "completely open" for the remaining period of the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X hours after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect following more than a month of deadly escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, which has claimed over 2,000 lives. (Iran-Hormuz-Open)
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JERUSALEM -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday told Israel's Channel 12 News that he estimates a deal with Iran will be signed "in the next day or two."
Trump said in an interview that the United States and Iran will probably meet over the weekend to finalize a deal to end the war. "The Iranians want to meet and make a deal," he said.
He said "the naval blockade on Iran is helping to make a deal. I will not lift it until we make a deal," adding that "the biggest part of this deal is that it will make Israel safer. This deal is good for Israel." (Trump-Iran- Deal)
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JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that Israel will provide an opportunity to advance an integrated diplomatic and military solution with the Lebanese government.
"For the first time in 43 years, Israeli representatives are talking directly with Lebanese ones. The road to peace is still long, but we have started it. One of our hands holds a weapon, the other hand reaches out for peace," Netanyahu said in a statement. (Israel-Lebanon-Ceasefire)
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BEIRUT -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Friday that Lebanon has entered a new phase focused on negotiating permanent agreements to safeguard the rights of its people, the unity of its territory, and the sovereignty of the state.
In an address to the Lebanese, Aoun said the country is moving from ceasefire implementation efforts toward a broader stage aimed at securing long-term stability. He voiced confidence that, as in the previous phase, these efforts would help "save Lebanon." (Lebanon-President-Ceasefire) ■
