Lebanese state media reported fresh Israeli strikes, while the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for a building near the southern city of Tyre, signaling ongoing operations despite the broader regional truce.

Hezbollah, which entered the conflict by launching attacks on Israel on March 2, has not claimed any operations since early Wednesday. Three Lebanese sources close to the group told Reuters it had halted fire on northern Israel and Israeli forces in Lebanon as part of the ceasefire arrangement involving Iran.

The Israeli military said it “continues fighting and ground operations” against Hezbollah, underscoring that hostilities along the Lebanon front remain active.Lebanon’s army warned residents against returning to southern areas, citing ongoing Israeli attacks and the presence of advancing Israeli forces.

It urged civilians to avoid exposed zones until conditions stabilize.An AFP correspondent in the Tyre region reported limited civilian movement southward, despite the displacement of hundreds of thousands since the conflict expanded into Lebanon.

Hezbollah is expected to issue a formal statement clarifying its position on the ceasefire and Netanyahu’s assertion that Lebanon is excluded from the agreement, the Lebanese sources said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, while welcoming the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, said the situation in Lebanon remained critical and called for its inclusion in any broader de-escalation framework.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the agreement followed mediation efforts led by Pakistan, adding he would suspend threats of military action if Iran upheld the ceasefire and ensured full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad would host talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations on Friday, describing both sides as constructively engaged. He expressed hope that the proposed “Islamabad Talks” would lead to sustainable peace.

China said it welcomed the ceasefire, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stating Beijing would continue efforts to restore stability in the Middle East.Iraq’s foreign ministry also supported the development, calling for “serious and sustainable dialogue” to address underlying disputes and build trust between the parties.

Turkiye backed the planned negotiations in Islamabad and stressed the importance of full implementation of the ceasefire on the ground, while Australia thanked mediators including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia for their role in de-escalation efforts.

Egypt underscored the need to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity across the region, particularly for Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan, warning against any violations that could threaten regional stability.

The United Nations welcomed the ceasefire, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging all parties to comply with international law and uphold the terms of the agreement to pave the way for comprehensive peace.Indonesia also called for respect for sovereignty and diplomacy, while Germany’s foreign minister described the truce as a critical first step toward avoiding further escalation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the ceasefire would bring “a moment of relief” and confirmed plans to engage Gulf partners on ensuring the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Financial markets responded positively to the announcement, with oil prices falling and global stocks rising after Iran agreed to allow safe passage through the key waterway, which carries a significant share of the world’s energy supplies.

“At this point, we take a cautious approach, and we are not making any changes to specific services,” the Danish container group said in a statement to Reuters.

The conflict, which escalated following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February and subsequent Iranian retaliation, led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and brought Gulf shipping activity close to a standstill, disrupting global supply chains.

Maersk, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, had suspended cargo bookings to several Gulf ports last month and introduced emergency bunker fuel surcharges globally to offset rising fuel costs.

“The ceasefire may create transit opportunities, but it does not yet provide full maritime certainty and we need to understand all potential conditions attached,” the company said.It added that any decision to resume transit through the strait would depend on ongoing risk assessments, security conditions and guidance from relevant authorities and partners.

In response to disruptions, Maersk has implemented alternative logistics routes, including a “land-bridge” system using ports in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Salalah and Sohar in Oman, and Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates, allowing cargo to be transported by land into Gulf destinations.

The company said it would continue to monitor developments closely and update operations as greater clarity emerges in the coming days.

“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” Starmer said in a statement, adding that efforts must now focus on sustaining the truce and reopening the vital maritime route.

Starmer said Britain would work with partners to support and uphold the ceasefire and turn it into a lasting agreement, while seeking to protect global economic stability by restoring access through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for oil and gas shipments.

The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic activity following the ceasefire, with London positioning itself in efforts to stabilise energy flows and reduce disruption to global markets.

Starmer, who has faced criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump for not backing recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has in recent days convened multinational discussions on securing the reopening of the strait.

According to the British government, the prime minister’s discussions in the Gulf will focus on diplomatic measures to reinforce the ceasefire and prevent further escalation that could threaten international trade.

The trip had been scheduled prior to the ceasefire announcement, but now takes on added significance as global attention turns to ensuring uninterrupted passage through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, discussing coordinated diplomatic steps to reopen the strait, including a UK-led meeting last week that brought together more than 40 countries to address the issue.

Macron made the remarks at the start of a defense meeting with advisers and cabinet members, according to official statements.While endorsing the ceasefire as a step toward de-escalation, Macron emphasized that broader regional stability would require addressing tensions affecting Lebanon.

The French president did not provide further details on how Lebanon could be incorporated into the agreement, but underscored the urgency of the situation there in the context of ongoing regional developments.

France has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and Macron’s comments reflect Paris’s continued focus on preventing spillover effects from wider conflicts.

The announcement followed earlier remarks by Trump threatening severe action against Iran, which drew strong criticism from several Democrats and prompted renewed calls for constitutional measures to assess presidential authority.

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said the ceasefire “changes nothing,” accusing the president of continuing to leverage threats against the Iranian people and arguing that his actions had crossed the threshold for impeachment or invocation of the 25th Amendment, which allows for transfer of power if a president is unable to govern.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called for a measured approach, stating that Congress should undertake oversight to verify the facts. He said a formal review process similar to the Senate’s examination of the Obama-era Iran deal would be a “sound way forward.

”Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s earlier rhetoric, describing it as extreme, while acknowledging the ceasefire as a step back from escalation. He said the president appeared to be seeking an “exit ramp” following heightened tensions.

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer expressed support for Trump’s approach, praising what he described as “unwavering dedication” to national defense and framing the ceasefire within a broader “peace through strength” strategy.

Democratic Representative Yassamin Ansari said she was “momentarily relieved” by the ceasefire but reiterated concerns about Trump’s statements, calling for his removal from office through impeachment or constitutional provisions.

Republican Representative Zach Nunn welcomed the ceasefire, saying it reflected decisive presidential authority consistent with constitutional powers and the War Powers Resolution.

He added that attention should now turn to securing a lasting agreement to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The reactions highlight deep partisan divisions in Washington over both the administration’s handling of Iran and broader questions surrounding executive authority in matters of national security.

According to the report, which cited four U.S., Israeli and regional sources, the proposed arrangement would begin with a temporary ceasefire lasting 45 days, during which negotiators would seek to reach a permanent agreement to end the war.

A second phase would focus on finalizing terms for a comprehensive settlement.The report said the ceasefire period could be extended if additional time is needed to conclude negotiations.

Reuters could not independently verify the Axios report, and neither the White House nor the U.S. State Department immediately responded to requests for comment.

The development comes as tensions remain high, with U.S. President Donald Trump reiterating a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face potential strikes on critical infrastructure.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump said the deadline would expire on Tuesday evening.

Speaking on a Fuji TV programme, Motegi said such a move would be contingent on a “complete ceasefire” and the presence of naval mines obstructing navigation. He described the scenario as hypothetical, adding that minesweeping could be considered if maritime protection conditions required it.

Japan’s ability to deploy forces overseas is restricted by its postwar pacifist constitution, though security legislation enacted in 2015 allows the use of the Self-Defense Forces if an attack on a close partner threatens Japan’s survival and no alternative measures are available.

Motegi said Tokyo has no immediate plans to negotiate specific arrangements for stranded Japanese vessels to transit the waterway, stressing instead the importance of restoring conditions that allow safe passage for all ships.

Japan relies on the Strait of Hormuz for roughly 90% of its oil imports, underscoring the strategic importance of the route. The strait has been largely closed by Iran during the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth week, contributing to a surge in global oil prices.

The disruption has prompted Japan and other countries to release oil from strategic reserves to stabilise supply.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday he had discussed with Motegi the possibility of allowing Japanese-linked vessels to pass through the strait, according to Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Washington on Thursday and urged Japan to increase its role in efforts to reopen the waterway. Takaichi said she briefed Trump on the scope of support Japan could provide under its legal framework.

A new wave of optimism is sweeping across Sudan as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to a humanitarian ceasefire proposed by the United States and Arab partners.

This development marks an important step toward restoring peace and stability in a nation that has long suffered from conflict and hardship.

The RSF’s acceptance of the ceasefire initiative signals a growing commitment to prioritize humanitarian needs and create a pathway for dialogue.

Their readiness to discuss long-term peace arrangements reflects a positive turn in Sudan’s ongoing efforts to rebuild trust and unity among its people.

The U.S., alongside Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, has been actively working to promote peace in Sudan. The proposed truce aims to allow safe humanitarian access, deliver aid to affected regions, and pave the way for a sustainable political process.

The international community has welcomed the RSF’s statement, viewing it as a step toward ending the two-and-a-half-year conflict.
The United States reaffirmed its dedication to facilitating negotiations that could help both sides find common ground.

“The RSF looks forward to implementing the agreement and beginning discussions on cessation of hostilities and the principles guiding Sudan’s political process,” the group stated. Such language reflects a renewed tone of cooperation and hope, signaling potential progress for the war-torn nation.

The ceasefire plan aligns with growing global calls for peace and stability across Africa. Neighboring countries and humanitarian organizations have expressed support for a coordinated effort to ease the suffering of civilians, especially in famine-stricken areas.

The proposed truce not only promises to reduce violence but also allows for essential aid delivery to displaced families.
Medical organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) continue their tireless efforts to treat victims and provide relief in North Darfur and other regions.

U.S. officials emphasized the urgency of immediate de-escalation to prevent further loss of life and displacement. Their ongoing engagement with both parties reflects the international community’s determination to help Sudan return to peace and stability.

If implemented successfully, this ceasefire could become a foundation for a long-term peace agreement.
Such an achievement would represent a monumental shift for Sudan, offering new opportunities for reconciliation, rebuilding, and development.

Sudanese citizens, weary from years of turmoil, are expressing cautious hope that this truce may finally open a path toward healing.
Community leaders have called on all parties to honor their commitments and protect civilians at all costs.

This agreement demonstrates that diplomacy and humanitarian concern can still prevail even amid deep divisions. By prioritizing peace over conflict, Sudan’s leaders are showing the world that dialogue remains the most powerful tool for change.

International observers view the RSF’s willingness to cooperate as a signal of shifting priorities within Sudan’s leadership. The promise of accountability for past violations and protection of civilians marks a hopeful beginning for a more responsible and transparent approach.

Peace advocates around the world continue to emphasize that lasting stability in Sudan will require unity, patience, and strong international support. With continued cooperation between Sudan, the United States, and Arab nations, the potential for peace grows stronger each day.

This humanitarian ceasefire initiative represents more than a pause in fighting—it symbolizes a chance for renewal. It allows Sudan to look ahead to a future defined by compassion, dialogue, and shared purpose rather than division.

As the world watches closely, this moment may become a turning point in Sudan’s history. Through collaboration and goodwill, the dream of a peaceful and prosperous Sudan feels closer than ever before.

According to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs early Sunday, the two South Asian nations committed not only to a halt in hostilities but also to “the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries”.

They further affirmed that follow-up meetings will be held in the coming days “to ensure the sustainability of the cease-fire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner”.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, welcomed the accord as “a first step in the right direction”.

Posting on X, he expressed appreciation for the “constructive role played by brotherly Qatar and Türkiye”. He also flagged the next meeting to be hosted by Türkiye, underlining the need for “a concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism … to address the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil towards Pakistan”.

He added: “It is important to put all efforts in place to prevent any further loss of lives.”

Earlier, both Islamabad and Kabul held talks in Doha on Saturday after the worst violence between the neighbours since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

According to Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, negotiations took place in Doha with Kabul’s team led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob. Meanwhile Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif led discussions with Taliban leadership.

The cross-border flare-up was triggered by Pakistan’s demand that Afghanistan rein in insurgent groups accused of staging increasingly frequent attacks on Pakistani territory—and which Islamabad says operate from safe havens inside Afghan soil.

The Taliban government denies harbouring armed groups for attacks on Pakistan, instead accusing Islamabad of misinformation, and of sheltering ISIL-linked militants undermining Afghan sovereignty.

On Friday, a suicide bomb near the border killed seven Pakistani soldiers and wounded 13 others, according to security officials. Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, warned on Saturday that “the Afghan regime must rein in the proxies who have sanctuaries in Afghanistan and are using Afghan soil to perpetrate heinous attacks inside Pakistan.”

While the cease-fire agreement marks a positive step, analysts caution that the true test will lie in sustained verification, cross-border monitoring and addressing deep-rooted mistrust. Establishing a credible mechanism to monitor adherence and respond promptly to violations will be crucial if peace is to hold.