A US State Department official claimed that Israel has withdrawn from southern Lebanon buffer zones, but two IDF sources denied this, and a Lebanese official said they were unaware of it.
Both countries emphasize “their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz” and “agreed to maintain their dialogue on this issue."
Washington has used a combination of sanctions, terrorist designations, and rewards for information on militia leaders.
The war Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hoped would cement his legacy as the leader who confronted Iran may instead be remembered as the conflict that dismantled a central source of his power.
Discussion over a possible EU mission comes as the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon is set to expire at the end of 2026, when it is expected to begin a year-long drawdown and withdrawal.
"Although we desperately wanted to see the collapse of a regime or the collapse of Hamas in Gaza, it did not really happen," said Dr. Col. (res.) Michael Milstein to 103FM.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi also confirmed on Wednesday that inspections are “going to happen,” according to the Associated Press.
The joint Qatar-Pakistan mediation format is notable, it combines Doha’s established diplomatic brokerage with Islamabad’s strategic geography, military weight, and renewed relevance in Washington.
The comments came in a phone call with Hamas representative Basem Naim, who praised Iran’s “steadfast support” for Palestinians, according to state and IRGC-linked outlets.
The US had pressured Israel to adhere to a real ceasefire with Hezbollah. In the past, the ceasefires were only in name, and strikes continued against one another.
Analysts and local sources describe a system built on Tether, temporary wallets, weakly regulated exchanges, and cash-out networks on the ground.
