Latest Highlights from Around the World

Key Events of the Last Few Hours:

D-Day for Talks Between Washington and Tehran: Donald Trump expressed “great optimism” about the possibility of reaching a peace agreement with Iran, ahead of negotiations set to open in Islamabad, Pakistan, amidst a fragile ceasefire.

Rockets Fired from Lebanon Toward Israel: Sirens sounded across Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Ashdod, after rockets were launched from Lebanon. The alerts covered several areas in Israel, including southern towns far from the Lebanese border.

Kuwait Reports Drone Attack: Kuwait reported a drone attack, the first in the Gulf, targeting vital installations, with military air defenses responding to hostile drone activity violating the country’s airspace.

Trump Warns Iran Against Strait of Hormuz Provocations: President Trump warned Iran against charging fees to tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stating they should cease such actions immediately.

Negotiations Between Lebanon and Israel: Talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv are scheduled to take place next week in Washington. Lebanon is seeking a ceasefire before starting negotiations with Israel.

Israel Claims Striking Heavy Blow to Hezbollah: The Israeli army chief stated they delivered a significant blow to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and began targeting Hezbollah’s firing sites.

First Non-Iranian Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz Since Ceasefire: The “MSG,” flying the Gabonese flag, crossed the Strait of Hormuz to leave the Gulf following the fragile truce between the US and Iran.

Iranian Supreme Leader Denies Seeking War: Mojtaba Khamenei reiterates Iran’s stance of not wanting war with Israel and the US but will defend its rights amidst conflicts in Lebanon where Israel opposes Hezbollah, an ally of Tehran.