U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, effective from Thursday evening. He stated that Netanyahu …read more

Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, diplomatic efforts have gained momentum, although ground realities remain complex. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon late Thursday night.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that the ceasefire would take effect at 5 p.m. ET. He stated that both countries agreed to it following discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

10-Day Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon

Hezbollah has stated that whether the ceasefire holds will depend on Israel’s attitude. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Iran have also said that peace in Lebanon is necessary before peace talks with the U.S. can proceed. On the other hand, preparations for a potential second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran have intensified. However, the issue of nuclear enrichment remains a sticking point.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who arrived in Tehran, met with senior Iranian leaders on Thursday. The White House stated that a date for talks with Iran has not been set. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the issue of security and movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz with French President Emmanuel Macron. Separately, the U.S. issued a stern warning regarding the naval blockade imposed against Iran.

Appeal to Open the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. General Dan Keane said that any ship attempting to break the blockade could be attacked and, if necessary, fired upon. This includes stopping, boarding, and seizing the vessel. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran’s military leadership, stating, ‘We are watching you.’ So far, 14 oil tankers have turned back from the Strait of Hormuz following warnings from the U.S. Navy.

China has also appealed to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump invited Netanyahu and Aoun to the White House. According to reports, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made it clear in a phone conversation with the U.S. Secretary of State that there is no point in any talks with Israel until there is a ceasefire with Hezbollah. He stated that with airstrikes and destruction ongoing in southern Lebanon, dialogue with Israel is inappropriate. The Secretary of State reportedly told Aoun that he understands the situation.

Trump’s Announcement

According to reports, Trump announced the ceasefire on Truth Social, writing that the U.S. administration has tasked the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with coordinating with Israel and Lebanon to establish lasting peace.

Trump claimed this agreement could be a significant step towards permanent peace between the two countries. Trump has invited the leaders of both countries to the White House. He said he would call Israel and Lebanon for their first meaningful bilateral talks since 1983. He claimed both sides want to move towards peace and that this process could advance rapidly. Trump also wrote that he has now stopped 10 wars.

According to reports, a senior Lebanese MP, Hassan Fadlallah, stated that the Iranian ambassador in Lebanon provided information about a week-long ceasefire. When asked if Hezbollah would respect this ceasefire, Fadlallah said everything related to it depends on Israel’s commitment.

He credited Iranian diplomatic efforts for this ceasefire. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Prime Minister welcomed the ceasefire. In a post, he expressed gratitude to the U.S., France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan for their efforts.

What is the Damage So Far in the War?

This conflict has so far resulted in over 2,196 deaths and more than 1.2 million people displaced. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Israeli army destroyed the last bridge over the Litani River in Lebanon, which connected southern Lebanon to the rest of the country. It was claimed that 70 Hezbollah terrorist sites were destroyed within a minute. Hezbollah claimed attacks on 39 military sites within 24 hours.

The Israeli army has stated that during the ceasefire, it will not withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon. China’s Appeal to Iran. According to reports, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi appealed to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to resume traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. He said keeping this crucial sea route open

Israel

Israel is a modern nation-state established in 1948 in the historical region of the Land of Israel, an area with profound ancient roots as the homeland of the Jewish people and a central location for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its history spans millennia, including biblical kingdoms, Roman rule, and later periods under various empires, before becoming a British Mandate in the 20th century. Today, it is a vibrant country known for its significant archaeological sites, such as Jerusalem’s Old City and Masada, alongside modern cities like Tel Aviv.

Lebanon

Lebanon is a small Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean coast, historically known as the heart of Phoenician civilization, a major maritime trading culture from around 3200 BCE. Its rich history includes successive rule by various empires and, in the modern era, it became an independent republic in 1943, though it has faced significant periods of civil war and regional conflict. The country is renowned for its ancient archaeological sites, diverse religious communities, and vibrant capital city, Beirut.

West Asia

West Asia, also known as the Middle East, is a transcontinental region at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, historically referred to as the “Cradle of Civilization.” It is home to some of the world’s earliest human settlements and major ancient empires, including Mesopotamia and Persia, and is the birthplace of several major monotheistic religions. Today, the region is defined by its significant cultural heritage sites, such as Petra in Jordan and the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq, alongside its complex modern geopolitics and vast energy resources.

Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean. Historically, it has been a key trade route for centuries, but in the modern era, its significance is defined by the transit of about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. This has made it a focal point of geopolitical tensions and international security concerns for decades.

White House

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It was designed by James Hoban, and construction was completed in 1800, with President John Adams being the first to occupy it. The building has been expanded and renovated over the centuries, including a major reconstruction after being burned by British forces in 1814 during the War of 1812.

Litani River

The Litani River is the longest river in Lebanon, flowing approximately 140 miles from the fertile Beqaa Valley to the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, its waters have been vital for agriculture and settlement since ancient times, with its lower reaches forming a natural border during the Crusader period. Today, it remains a crucial resource for irrigation and hydroelectric power in the country.

Iran

Iran, historically known as Persia, is a country in Western Asia with one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, dating back to the Elamite kingdoms of the 4th millennium BCE. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient ceremonial capital of Persepolis, which was the center of the vast Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE. Today, Iran’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture, poetry, and traditions, shaped by its pre-Islamic Zoroastrian past and its pivotal role in the Islamic world after the 7th-century Arab conquest.

France

France is a Western European country with a rich cultural and historical legacy, dating back to ancient Gaul and the Roman Empire. It became a major global power, particularly under monarchs like Louis XIV and after the French Revolution of 1789, which profoundly influenced modern democracy. Today, it is renowned for its influential art, cuisine, philosophy, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.