Lebanon extends ceasefire with Israel as US and Iran signal diplomatic opening
Amidst a deadlock over enriched nuclear material, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirms US interest in new negotiations, while President Donald Trump proposes a two-decade hold on Tehran’s civilian nuclear programme.
Lebanon has agreed to extend a ceasefire with Israel by 45 days beyond the original Sunday deadline, following diplomatic discussions held in the United States. The extension aims to stabilise a fragile security situation, although the agreement comes as Israeli forces continued operations in southern Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, these ongoing attacks resulted in at least 12 fatalities on Friday, including three paramedics.
Concurrently, diplomatic channels between Iran and the United States have shown signs of potential thawing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated during a BRICS meeting that the administration of US President Donald Trump had signalled openness to new negotiations intended to end the broader regional conflict. This development marks a shift in tone, although significant policy hurdles remain.
Araghchi noted that a deadlock persists regarding the status of Iran’s enriched nuclear material. Despite this impasse, President Trump has indicated a willingness to consider a two-year suspension of Iran’s civilian nuclear programme. The President suggested this measure could be acceptable if Tehran demonstrates what he described as a genuine commitment to reaching a broader agreement.
The diplomatic activity occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tension. The United Arab Emirates recently issued statements clarifying its defensive measures and sovereignty protections, responding to allegations of military operations against Iran. Meanwhile, President Trump has returned to the White House following a diplomatic summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions included the leverage of arms sales to Taiwan.
As the conflict enters its 78th day, the extension of the Lebanon ceasefire and the tentative signals from Washington and Tehran suggest a complex interplay of military pressure and diplomatic engagement. The viability of the 45-day truce remains uncertain given the continued violence, while the prospects for a nuclear deal depend on resolving the current deadlock over enriched materials.
