US, ISRAEL STRIKE IRAN

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said the recent ceasefire was the result of Hezbollah’s “steadfastness” and the unity of what he described as the “Axis of Resistance”.

In a statement posted on social media, Ghalibaf said the truce should be approached with caution, adding that allied groups would remain united “until the full realisation of victory”.

He also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its role in supporting the ceasefire, specifically thanking Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir for endorsing the agreement.

Ghalibaf reiterated Iran’s commitment to its position, saying: “We are true to our pledge,” while signalling continued coordination among regional allies.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said Lebanon must be included in any comprehensive ceasefire, during talks with Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir in Tehran, Al Jazeera reported, citing local Iranian media.

“Lebanon is an integral part of the comprehensive ceasefire,” Ghalibaf said, adding that Iran is pursuing broader regional peace and stronger ties with neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan.

Munir also met the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian – a statement from that meeting has not yet been released.

Ghalibaf said Iran remains committed to peace but accused the US of undermining progress by failing to honour its commitments. He also highlighted the need for any ceasefire agreement to cover all conflict zones, urging mediators to ensure its implementation.

Munir welcomed the talks and said Pakistan had worked to prevent instability along its border with Iran since the start of the conflict.

“I understand the importance of the ceasefire in Lebanon and I will follow it,” he said, adding that Islamabad would continue diplomatic efforts to support de-escalation and maintain regional stability.

Israel and Lebanon will implement a 10-day ceasefire beginning 5 pm EST (2100 GMT) on Thursday to enable negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement, the US State Department said, adding that the ceasefire period may be extended by mutual agreement.

Once the ceasefire takes effect, the Lebanese government will take steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other non-state armed groups in its territory from carrying out any attacks, operations, or hostile activities against Israel, the US State Department said in a statement whose text Washington said was agreed to by Israel and Lebanon.

"All parties recognise Lebanon's security forces as having exclusive responsibility for Lebanon's sovereignty and national defence; no other country or group has claim to be the guarantor of Lebanon's sovereignty," the statement reads.

The US State Department has said Lebanon will take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups from launching attacks against Israeli targets.

Washington further emphasised that all parties recognise Lebanon's security forces as having exclusive responsibility for the country's sovereignty and national defence role.

US President Donald Trump announced today that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5pm EST (2100 GMT).

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is not happy with Australia for not assisting the US with the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump has said he could travel to Islamabad if a deal with Iran is signed there, signalling potential high-level involvement in ongoing negotiations mediated by Pakistan.

He added that if no agreement is reached with Iran, fighting will continue, and suggested the next round of talks could take place over the weekend.

On the ceasefire, Trump said progress was being made, adding that Iran is now willing to consider steps it had previously rejected. He also said he was not certain the ceasefire would need to be extended.

Iran has offered to not have nuclear weapons for more than 20 years, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday.

"We have a statement, a very powerful statement, that they will not have, beyond 20 years, that they will not have nuclear weapons," he told reporters outside the White House.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday it was "very important" for Pope Leo to understand that Iran is a threat to the world.

"The Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants, but I can disagree," Trump told reporters outside the White House.

"The Pope has to understand that this is the real world."