Israel, Lebanon reach ceasefire as US-Iran talks stay open
What's next: Lebanon's president said the truce would take effect within 24 hours once all parties approve it.
Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire, a step that raised hopes of easing a wider conflict tied to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the truce would begin within 24 hours after approval by all concerned parties. On Capitol Hill, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he hoped the latest high-level talks between Israel and Lebanon would produce a joint statement on ending hostilities. He also told lawmakers that Iran still retains small boats and some drone capability, though not the larger drone swarms it previously used. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqhchi said contacts with Washington remain open, but the two sides have not made progress and are still reviewing exchanged texts.