Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks following talks held at the White House, in a deal brokered by United States President Donald Trump.
The extension comes amid ongoing regional tensions involving Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, which have been a major obstacle in efforts to resolve a broader eight-week regional conflict. Other unresolved issues include Iran’s nuclear programme and control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking after the meeting, Trump said he was willing to wait for what he described as “the best deal” to end the wider conflict involving Iran, stressing that he was in no rush to secure an agreement.
He added that any eventual peace deal should be “everlasting,” while maintaining that the United States held a strong position in the ongoing maritime tensions in the region.
The US president also downplayed Iran’s recent military posturing in the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing its naval activity and suggesting Tehran was struggling internally, which he said limited its ability to negotiate effectively.
On Thursday, Trump claimed the United States could quickly neutralise any weapons upgrades Iran may have carried out during the ceasefire period that began on 8 April. However, tensions in the region remain high, with navigation in the strait still disrupted and Iranian forces reportedly seizing two large cargo vessels.
The Philippine government confirmed that 15 Filipino nationals were aboard the seized ships and said they were believed to be safe, adding that it expected the vessels to be released soon.
Market reactions reflected ongoing uncertainty, with oil prices rising again on Friday as concerns over the fragile ceasefire persisted and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continued to weigh on global supply routes.
The US dollar also strengthened alongside oil prices, heading for its first weekly gain in three weeks as investors turned to safer assets amid lingering geopolitical tensions and instability in global energy markets.