Israel-Lebanon 10-day ceasefire takes effect as Trump says US 'very close' to deal with Iran

Israel and Hezbollah began a 10-day ceasefire early Friday, aiming to halt a conflict. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. and Iran are "very close" to a separate deal to end their direct war. The Lebanese army accused Israel of "a number of acts of aggression" and intermittent shelling in southern Lebanon just hours after the start.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his agreement to the ceasefire to "advance" peace efforts, yet he maintained a firm stance on Israel's military footprint. Israeli forces have established a security zone extending 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) into southern Lebanon. The U.S. State Department clarified that while Israel will not carry out "any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets," it reserves the right to defend itself "at any time, against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks." A Hezbollah official warned that the group reserves the right to respond, noting that Lebanese people have "the right to resist" Israeli occupation. The conflict has resulted in at least 3,000 killed in Iran, 2,100 in Lebanon, and 13 U.S. service members. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that Europe has "maybe six weeks or so" of jet fuel left.

A second round of face-to-face negotiations between American and Iranian officials is tentatively expected to take place "probably, maybe, next weekend."