Israel said it would begin direct negotiations with Lebanon, with an eye toward a truce–but would also continue military operations against Lebanon-based, Iran-aligned Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied that the U.S.-Iran cease-fire covers that conflict, while Iran insists it does and that fighting must stop.
Some European nations and Pakistan, the host of talks this weekend between Washington and Tehran, said the attacks undermined efforts to forge lasting peace.
The White House agrees with Israel. But despite the threat to the cease-fire accord, it appeared to bring relative calm to the Persian Gulf . Several countries haven’t reported a missile or drone attack by Tehran in more than 24 hours.
Only eight ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, far below the usual 135 daily transits. Only ships containing Iranian cargo were allowed.
File photo: U.S. President Donald Trump, right, holds a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, after meeting with Trump in Washington in a delicate diplomatic mission, said European allies were cooperating. On Thursday morning, Trump lashed out at NATO allies anew.
President Trump told NBC News that he was “very optimistic” about the prospects of a peace agreement with Iran, adding “If they don’t make a deal, it’s going to be very painful.”
