A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect Thursday, as President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a broader deal to end the war with Iran is nearing completion.
- A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel began April 16.
- President Trump reported that Iran has offered to forgo nuclear weapons for more than 20 years.
- The Lebanese Army reported early ceasefire violations by Israeli forces on Friday.
Potential Peace Deal With Iran
President Trump stated that a meeting between the United States and Iran may occur over the weekend. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump noted that the U.S. is “very close to making a deal with Iran.”
The president later told an audience in Las Vegas, Nevada, that the war “should be ending pretty soon.” He revealed that Tehran has offered not to possess nuclear weapons for more than 20 years, an issue that served as a primary sticking point during talks in Islamabad last weekend.
The conflict with Iran began on Feb. 28 following a US-Israeli attack. The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and a surge in oil prices, creating significant political pressure for the Trump administration.
Status of the Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire
In Beirut, residents marked the start of the ceasefire at midnight Thursday with celebratory gunfire and rocket explosions. However, the pause in hostilities has remained fragile.
The Lebanese Army reported early Friday that Israel committed violations of the agreement, including intermittent shelling of several villages in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military provided no immediate comment, though spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated on X that troop deployments in the area are a response to continued Hezbollah militant activity.
Hezbollah issued a statement detailing military operations conducted throughout Thursday, noting that its final attack occurred at 11:50 p.m. local time, 10 minutes before the ceasefire took effect.
Trump Urges Compliance
Following the reports of continued tension, President Trump issued a social media post urging Hezbollah to adhere to the truce.
“I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time,” Trump wrote. “No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!”
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