Lebanese president refuses to speak with Israeli prime minister

Key Points:

• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has refused to speak directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a planned conversation to discuss halting fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
• The ceasefire between Israel, the U.S., and Iran-backed Hezbollah has held for over a week amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a planned meeting between Pakistan’s army chief and Iranian officials to extend the truce.
• Cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel continued, with rocket and drone strikes on northern Israel and intensified Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon, highlighting ongoing tensions despite ceasefire talks.
• U.S. and Iranian officials reportedly reached an "in-principle agreement" to extend the ceasefire, though key issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, Strait of Hormuz access, and war damage compensation remain unresolved.
• Economic and military pressures continue, with the U.S. imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports and threatening new sanctions, while China calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to ensure freedom of navigation amid the conflict.