US-Israel-Iran War Live: Head of US Central Command says ships are moving through the Strait of Hormuz

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that a ceasefire agreed to by his country should be transformed into “permanent agreements,” without saying whether he was referring to a prospective peace deal with Israel. The televised address was his first speech since the US brokered a ceasefire to end six weeks of fighting between Israel and Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah on Thursday. The text of the deal says Israel and Lebanon would hold direct talks to produce “peace between the two countries.” 

Aoun thanked US President Donald Trump and regional countries for helping secure the ceasefire.

“Now, we all stand before a new phase: the transition from working towards a ceasefire to working towards permanent agreements that preserve the rights of our people, the unity of our land, and the sovereignty of our nation,” he said.

Hezbollah has said it opposes direct talks with Israel and its lawmakers on Friday criticised the government for agreeing to hold such negotiations. Without mentioning Israel, Aoun said, “These negotiations are not a sign of weakness, nor a retreat, nor a concession.”