U.S. Intensifies Talks With Iran and Demands Hezbollah Disarmament

U.S. envoy Jared Kushner announced that conversations between the United States and various sectors of the Iranian government have intensified. While no formal agreement has been reached, Kushner stated that President Donald Trump is prioritizing a blockade and economic pressure over military action to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Kushner noted that the president will remain patient to secure the "right deal."

Simultaneously, the United States Department of State identified Hezbollah as the primary obstacle to stability and economic recovery in Lebanon. A department spokesperson asserted that the group must be disarmed and dismantled as a requirement for a pilot program involving a staggered Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Under this proposal, Lebanese government forces would assume control of those areas.