Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he has ordered officials to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon "as soon as possible," citing requests from Beirut. This move comes despite a broader regional ceasefire, with tensions remaining high along the border.

Lebanon declared a day of mourning on Thursday after Israeli attacks killed at least 200 people and wounded more than 1,000 in a single day. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the strikes violated the US-Iran ceasefire and warned they threatened to undermine negotiations, adding that Tehran would not abandon Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump claimed that American forces will remain around Iran until a "real agreement" is fully enforced, warning of further conflict if not. The UN chief's envoy, Jean Arnault, met Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Tehran and visited sites damaged by recent strikes; he is expected to continue talks in Pakistan as diplomatic efforts persist.

Source: www.aljazeera.com