Israel, Lebanon Extend Ceasefire as Trump Pursues Iran Deal

In a significant diplomatic maneuver, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire for an additional three weeks, a development brokered at the White House by President Donald Trump. This extension comes as Trump intensifies his efforts to forge what he terms "the best deal" to resolve the protracted conflict with Iran, a regional issue intertwined with Tehran's nuclear program and its strategic control over the vital Strait of Hormuz.

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was prepared to wait for “the best deal” to end his conflict with Iran.

The administration's approach signals a deliberate strategy of patience, with President Trump asserting that he is "in no rush" for an agreement, aiming instead for an "everlasting" peace. Despite Iran's recent displays of tightened control over the shipping corridor and its seizure of cargo vessels, Trump remains outwardly confident, dismissing Iran's naval capabilities as "little wise-guy ships" and suggesting Tehran is hampered by internal turmoil. However, the continued disruption to navigation and the impact on oil markets underscore the persistent challenges the US faces in maintaining control and stability in the region.

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was in no rush to reach a peace agreement and wanted it to be “everlasting,”

Adding a layer of complexity, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has refuted claims of leadership disarray, labeling them as "enemy's media operations" aimed at undermining Iranian unity. This assertion, made while he remained out of public view, highlights Tehran's narrative of resilience and defiance against perceived external pressures. Meanwhile, the prolonged regional conflict continues to expose fissures within NATO, with Washington reportedly considering punitive measures against allies perceived as unsupportive of US operations, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

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dismissed the threat posed by Iran’s “little wise-guy ships”