Former Lebanese President Gemayel Calls for Renewed Talks with Israel

Former Lebanese President Amin Gemayel told The Associated Press that the current environment is appropriate for pursuing talks with Israel again. He referenced a short-lived agreement he signed in the 1980s that ended a state of war between the two nations.

Gemayel noted that discussing peace with Israel was once considered unacceptable in Lebanon, but circumstances have evolved with a fragile ceasefire in place. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran have advanced significantly but are now conducted by phone, eliminating the need for long flights to Pakistan.

He mentioned speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who cautioned about potential negative consequences if the U.S. and Israel resume military actions against Iran. A White House official, speaking anonymously, said Trump discussed with oil executives measures to maintain the blockade on Iranian ports while minimizing effects on U.S. consumers.

Brent crude oil futures rose 8 percent to $120 per barrel, the highest level since June 2022, following Trump's comments that the U.S. naval blockade of Iran could last months. measures have driven up prices without filling Iran's storage tanks to capacity.

He criticized U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for providing what he called inadequate advice on the blockade. U.S. forces redirected a 42nd commercial vessel attempting to breach the blockade. He reported that 41 tankers carrying 69 million barrels of oil, valued at over $6 billion, remain unsold due to the restrictions.

forces approach.

The Global Sumud Flotilla stated that 11 of its Gaza-bound aid boats lost communication after being surrounded by Israeli military vessels in international waters. The group called on governments to intervene and hold Israel accountable for violations of international law.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testified before the U.S. House Armed Services Committee that the conflict has cost $25 billion so far, primarily on munitions, with a potential deadline approaching for congressional approval. He added that an early strike on an Iranian girls' school, which killed about 170 people mostly children, is still under investigation.

An unnamed Iranian military official told Press TV that continued U.S. obstinacy could lead to a different response if Iran's conditions for ending the war are not met.