Israel and Lebanon have extended their ceasefire for an additional three weeks after high-level talks in Washington, marking a rare moment of diplomacy in a conflict still marked by violence and distrust. The agreement, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, follows an initial 10-day truce that began on April 16 and represents the first direct engagement between the two sides in decades.

Despite the extension, clashes have continued on the ground, particularly in southern Lebanon, where Israeli strikes and tensions with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah persist. Reports indicate casualties, including the death of a Lebanese journalist, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire and the challenges facing negotiators.

The ceasefire is part of a broader geopolitical effort by Washington to stabilize the region while pursuing negotiations with Iran. Trump has said he is aiming for the “best deal” with Tehran, signaling a long-term approach even as tensions remain high in key areas such as the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping disruptions and military threats continue to raise global concerns.

Iranian-linked fast boats have been central to recent maritime confrontations.