Trump announces Israel and Lebanon leaders to hold talks on Thursday
US President Donald Trump has revealed that leaders from Israel and Lebanon will speak directly on Thursday in an effort to create some calm between the two countries.
In a post on Truth Social, he described the upcoming conversation as a way to give “a little breathing room” after years of tension. Trump noted it had been a long time — around 34 years — since the two sides last held high-level talks. The announcement comes as part of broader US diplomatic moves to ease conflicts in the region following the ongoing war with Iran that started in late February.
The planned discussion follows recent trilateral talks hosted by the United States. While details about the exact leaders involved were not fully specified, the move is seen as a potential step toward a ceasefire or reduced hostilities, especially regarding Hezbollah activities in Lebanon. Israel’s security cabinet has discussed the possibility of a Lebanon ceasefire but has not yet reached a final decision. Lebanon, on its part, may push for a full halt to fighting before committing to deeper engagement.
This development forms part of a busy day of updates on the Middle East situation. In other news from the region, Iran reported the arrest of four people suspected of spying for Israel, claiming they passed intelligence on military sites. Meanwhile, the United States continues to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports, turning back vessels trying to enter or leave. US Central Command stated that in the early days of the blockade, no ships successfully broke through, though maritime tracking data shows some movement in the Strait of Hormuz.
On the international front, FIFA confirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup as planned, with the tournament’s president expressing hope for peace by then. Markets in the US also reacted positively to signals of possible peace talks between Washington and Tehran, with some stock indices reaching new highs. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military measures and sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran over its nuclear programme and regional activities. Many observers are watching closely to see whether Thursday’s talks can bring any meaningful progress toward stability.
