The ground situation in Lebanon: a fragile calm has settled over Lebanon this Friday as a 10-day ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump, appears to be holding despite the immense destruction left in the wake of seven weeks of conflict. Washington is hailing the pause in hostilities between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah as a “historic” breakthrough—one that mediators hope will serve as a pilot for a broader de-escalation between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

While the guns have fallen silent, the diplomatic stakes remain at an all-time high. US envoy Tom Barrack described the truce as the “beginning of a road,” emphasizing the delicate nature of the negotiations. For Tehran, the end of the war in Lebanon was a non-negotiable prerequisite; for the West, the focus now shifts to the worsening global energy crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely blocked, international leaders are gathering in Europe to find a solution to the oil route’s closure—notably without US participation.

On the ground, the human cost is coming into sharp focus. Displaced Lebanese citizens returning to southern villages and Beirut’s suburbs are finding entire neighbourhoods reduced to “mountains of rubble.” Even as residents wave flags in a show of defiance, the reality of the 45-day war—which has claimed thousands of lives across the region—is etched into the flattened skyline of the Levant.

Iran-US war ceasefire: Here are latest developments

Hezbollah vows vigilance: The militant group praised its fighters for over 2,000 attacks during the conflict but warned its “hands remain on the trigger,” citing deep distrust of Israeli movements during the 10-day window.

Netanyahu’s stance: The Israeli Prime Minister agreed to the pause to “advance” peace efforts, but clarified that Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from their positions in southern Lebanon for the time being.

Macron expresses concern: The French President welcomed the truce but voiced “concern” over reports of Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon in the early hours of Friday, urging Hezbollah to renounce its weapons.

Energy crisis deepens: As Australia secures deals to underwrite inflated fuel imports and South Korea celebrates a lone tanker successfully navigating the Red Sea, the pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz intensifies.

Three sticking points: Regional mediators indicate that any lasting deal between the U.S. and Iran hinges on three volatile issues: Iran’s nuclear program, maritime passage in the Gulf, and wartime reparations.