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Lebanon-Israel ceasefire begins; Trump sees potential Iran deal ahead

From Kathmandu Post · (3d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel took effect Thursday, with President Trump expressing optimism about a potential US-Iran meeting over the weekend.
  • Trump indicated Iran had offered to forgo nuclear weapons for over 20 years, suggesting a deal was close and could lower oil prices and inflation.
  • Despite celebratory gunfire in Beirut, the ceasefire faced immediate challenges with Lebanese Army reports of Israeli violations and continued Hezbollah activity.

The Trump administration is signaling a potential breakthrough in relations with Iran, a development that could significantly impact global oil markets and de-escalate regional tensions. The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, while fragile, is being framed as a positive step towards broader peace, with President Trump emphasizing Iran's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation as a key element.

Weโ€™re going to see what happens. But I think weโ€™re very close to making a deal with Iran.

โ€” Donald TrumpPresident Trump's remarks to reporters outside the White House, expressing optimism about a potential deal with Iran.

While celebratory scenes unfolded in Beirut, the immediate aftermath of the ceasefire highlighted the persistent volatility in the region. Reports of Israeli violations and ongoing Hezbollah operations underscore the delicate nature of the truce. The administration's optimistic outlook, however, suggests a willingness to engage directly with Iran, potentially bypassing traditional diplomatic channels.

We have a very good relationship with Iran right now, as hard as it is to believe. And I think itโ€™s a combination of about f

โ€” Donald TrumpPresident Trump's comments on the current state of US-Iran relations.

From the perspective of Kathmandu Post, this development is noteworthy for its potential to stabilize oil prices, a critical factor for many developing economies. The prospect of a US-Iran deal, driven by Trump's direct engagement, offers a glimmer of hope for reduced geopolitical friction, though the path forward remains fraught with challenges given the history of conflict and mistrust.

I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be an GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!

โ€” Donald TrumpPresident Trump's social media post urging Hezbollah to respect the ceasefire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.