Day 78 of Iran War: Trump and Tehran Signal Talks, Lebanon Extends Ceasefire
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
Iran says US President Donald Trump signaled readiness for new negotiations to end the war, while a stalemate over Tehran's nuclear program persists. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend the fragile ceasefire by 45 days. The developments come on day 78 of the Iran war, with ongoing violence in southern Lebanon and diplomatic maneuvers involving China and the UAE.
On May 16, Lebanon welcomed an agreement to extend the fragile ceasefire with Israel by 45 days following talks in the United States, despite Israeli forces continuing to strike towns and villages in southern Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, at least 12 people were killed on Friday, including three paramedics.
Meanwhile, at a BRICS meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had received information from the administration of US President Donald Trump expressing readiness for new negotiations aimed at ending the war. However, Araghchi noted a continuing "stalemate" over Iran's enriched nuclear materials. Trump also suggested he might be open to Iran suspending its civilian nuclear program for two decades, provided Tehran demonstrates genuine commitment to a broader deal.
In Iran:
- Iran open to support from China: Foreign Minister Araghchi said the US sent a message of readiness to continue negotiations, and he would welcome any support, including from China. "We appreciate any country capable of helping, especially China," Araghchi stated.
- Tehran announces airstrike damage: City authorities said US-Israeli attacks during the war caused at least 650 strikes across the capital, killing over 1,260 people and injuring at least 2,800. Damage included approximately 51,000 homes, more than 10,700 cars, and 754 motorcycles—including nearly 150 taxis.
- More ships passing through Hormuz: Iran is allowing more vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz because "many countries have accepted new legal protocols" proposed by Tehran, according to state television.
War diplomacy:
- China signals veto on Hormuz resolution: Chinese UN Ambassador Fu Cong criticized a US-proposed Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz as "inappropriate" in both timing and content, signaling Beijing would oppose it alongside Russia.
- Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire: Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend the ceasefire by 45 days despite renewed violence. "The cessation of hostilities agreement from April 16 will be extended by 45 days to achieve progress," said US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.
- Lebanon hopes for 'long-term stability': The Lebanese delegation in Washington said the ceasefire extension and establishment of a US-mediated security channel pave the way for "long-term stability."
In the Gulf:
- UAE accelerates oil pipeline construction to bypass Hormuz: The United Arab Emirates announced it will speed up construction of a new ADNOC pipeline linking Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, aiming to double crude export capacity outside the Strait of Hormuz by 2027, with operations expected to begin next year.
In the US:
- US indicts Kataib Hezbollah commander: US prosecutors indicted Iraqi citizen Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a suspected senior figure in Kataib Hezbollah linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), for his role in at least 18 attacks and attempted attacks in Europe and Canada. FBI said al-Saadi was captured in Turkey before being transferred to the US.
- Congresswoman Tlaib marks Nakba in Congress: US Representative Rashida Tlaib commemorated the Nakba in a speech before Congress, stating that the displacement of Palestinians "did not end in 1948" and called for justice and the right of return for Palestinians.
In Israel:
- Israel intensifies attacks in southern Lebanon: The Israeli military said its forces eliminated over 220 Hezbollah fighters in the past week and struck more than 440 targets across southern Lebanon in the same period.
In Lebanon:
- Airstrike hits building in Tyre: An Israeli airstrike struck a building in the southern city of Tyre on Friday following an evacuation warning from the Israeli military, despite the ceasefire extension between Israel and Hezbollah. An AFP reporter confirmed the attack.
- New evacuation orders in southern Lebanon: The Israeli military ordered residents of nine towns and villages to evacuate ahead of expected strikes, just hours after Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend the ceasefire. Affected areas include Ansar, al-Marwaniyah, and al-Baysariyah.
- Lebanon death toll rises: Lebanon's Health Ministry said Israeli attacks have killed at least 2,951 people and injured 8,988 since airstrikes and ground incursions resumed on March 2, as many residents refuse to leave their partially destroyed homes.
