Lebanese president says ‘only solution’ to conflict is ceasefire before talks with Israel

Summary

Amid ongoing strikes on Beirut by Israel after ceasefire deal between the US and Iran, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that the only solution to the situation Lebanon is facing is a ceasefire with Israel that would lead to direct negotiations with the two countries. Lebanon’s President Aoun said after a meeting with representatives of the country’s Maronite community that its proposal for a ceasefire and talks is starting to gain positive response internationally, says the Times of Israel. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had asserted that there is ‘no ceasefire in Lebanon’, underlining that military operations against Hezbollah will continue despite diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region. His remarks came as Israeli forces launched fresh strikes, targeting what the military described as Hezbollah positions, The Guardian reported. Israel and Hezbollah continue to strike as US President Trump has called on Israeli PM Netanyahu to keep a low-key position in Lebanon. IDF says not in a position of ceasefire with Hezbollah Israeli military chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, on Friday said that Israeli forces continuing their combat operations in Lebanon are not in a position of ceasefire with Hezbollah, reported the Guardian. According to The Guardian, more than 300 people were reported killed in Israeli bombardment in Lebanon within 24 hours of the ceasefire announcement earlier this week. Iran says peace talks on hold if Israel continues attack on Lebanon Iran has reiterated that Islamabad peace talks between US and Iran remain on hold if attacks continue in Lebanon, Citing a source, Fars reported that news reports claiming that an Iranian negotiating delegation has arrived in Islamabad to hold talks with US officials are completely false. “Negotiations remain suspended until the United States upholds its commitments regarding the ceasefire in Lebanon and the Israeli regime stops its attacks,” reported Fars. Pakistan offered to mediate between the two countries and will host a talk in Islamabad on Saturday. However, the truce seems already under strain as Israelcontinues bombing Lebanon. Iran reiterated that Israeli attacks on its military allies violate the ceasefire deal and closed the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday urged Iran not to let the fragile ceasefire deal fall apart over Israel’s attacks on Lebanon. As Iran’s president said a truce in Lebanon was a key condition for ending the Middle East war, Vance said he believed there had been a “legitimate misunderstanding”, reports the New York Times. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More