A fragile calm settles over the Middle East as Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire, offering a temporary pause in a conflict that continues to ripple across the region like aftershocks from a powerful quake.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between the two sides will be extended by three weeks. Speaking in the Oval Office, he said he hopes the additional time could lead to direct talks between leaders, a step that could shift the trajectory of the conflict.

Strait of Hormuz Remains High Risk

Tensions remain elevated in the Strait of Hormuz, where U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said ship traffic is continuing but under significant risk.

He blamed Iran for creating instability by threatening vessels, including civilian cruise ships, turning one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes into a zone of uncertainty.

Iran Signals Diplomacy While Pressing Demands

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi is preparing for a diplomatic tour that includes stops in Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow.

State media said the visit aims to address regional developments and discuss the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, called on the United States to end its blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as a major violation of the ceasefire. He warned that negotiations cannot move forward if such measures continue.

Pentagon Leak Reveals Strains With Allies

A leaked internal message from the Pentagon suggests the United States may reconsider its support for Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

The message reportedly criticizes the United Kingdom for not providing enough support during U.S. strikes on Iran. British officials responded by reaffirming their sovereignty over the islands.

The same document also proposed possible retaliatory measures against NATO allies, including suspending Spain, though no formal process exists to remove a member from the alliance.

Human Rights Concerns Intensify

The organization Human Rights Watch has urged Lebanon to join the International Criminal Court after an Israeli airstrike killed journalist Amal Khalil and injured her colleague Zainab Faraj earlier this week.

The incident has added pressure on all sides as concerns grow over civilian safety.

Netanyahu Reports Successful Treatment

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is in “excellent physical condition” after receiving treatment for early-stage prostate cancer.

He stated that the condition was addressed quickly and successfully, leaving no trace. Netanyahu also said he delayed releasing his medical report for two months to avoid fueling misinformation during the conflict with Iran.

Earlier this year, false rumors circulated claiming he had died, which he dismissed as propaganda.

UAE Warns Trust Will Take Time

In the Gulf, United Arab Emirates officials expressed deep skepticism about rebuilding trust with Iran.

Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the scale of attacks during the conflict makes reconciliation a long-term challenge. He pointed to the use of missiles and drones targeting civilian and energy infrastructure, warning that Iran will continue to be viewed as a strategic threat.

A Region Waiting for What Comes Next

As Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire, the pause offers a narrow window for diplomacy—but uncertainty still hangs in the air.

Whether this moment becomes a turning point or simply a brief break in a longer conflict may depend on what happens in the weeks ahead.