Trump announces Israel-Lebanon talks: US President Donald Trump said that leaders of Israel and Lebanon are set to speak after 34 years, calling it a step to ease tensions between the two sides. “Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Israel, US goals ‘identical’, says Netanyahu: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel and the United States share “identical goals” in the ongoing conflict with Iran. “Our goals and those of the United States are identical: We want to see the enriched material removed from Iran, we want to see the cancellation of enrichment capabilities within Iran, and of course, we want to see the opening of the straits,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “It is too early to say how this matter will end, or even how it will progress. In anticipation of the possibility that fighting may resume, we are prepared for any scenario,” he added.

Iran-US war ceasefire: Here are 5 developments

1. ‘Grand Bargain’: Vice President JD Vance confirmed that US negotiators are preparing to return to Pakistan, aiming for a sweeping deal rather than a “small” truce.
2. Nuclear deadlock: A key sticking point remains the duration of a nuclear moratorium; Washington is demanding a 20-year suspension, while Tehran has offered a 3-to-5-year window.
3. Economic chokehold: CENTCOM Admiral Brad Cooper stated that 90% of Iran’s economy is fueled by sea trade, which has now been “completely halted” in less than 36 hours.
4. Rising toll: Officials in Tehran report that approximately 5,000 people have been killed in the fighting since the conflict erupted earlier this year.
5. Market watch: Global stocks rose on the news of a potential breakthrough, despite oil prices hovering near $96 per barrel due to the ongoing shipping disruptions.