Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, lauding the “bold and sagacious” diplomatic efforts led by Donald Trump in facilitating the development.
The prime minister expressed hope that the ceasefire would pave the way for sustainable and lasting peace in the region, emphasising the importance of continued diplomatic engagement.
He further reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, adding that Islamabad would continue to back all initiatives aimed at ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.
Lebanon-Israel ceasefire
President of the United States (US) Donald J Trump announced yesterday that a 10-day-long ceasefire has been announced between Lebanon and Israel.
Writing on the social media platform TruthSocial, the president said, “I just had excellent conversations with the Highly Respected President Joseph Aoun, of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel.”
“These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 PM EST.”
Furthermore, Trump added, “On Tuesday, the two Countries met for the first time in 34 years here in Washington, DC, with our Great Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.”
He also talked about directing the Vice President, JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Razin’ Caine, to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a ‘Lasting PEACE.’
“It has been my Honor to solve 9 Wars across the World, and this will be my 10th, so let’s, GET IT DONE!” he added further.
‘US to maintain blockade for as long as it takes’
Prior to this, the Defence Secretary of the United States (US), Pete Hegseth, along with Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, gave updates on the war between the US and Iran at the first Pentagon briefing since the blockade of Iranian ports by the US.
While giving updates on the US-Iran war, he said that the US is ready to restart combat if needed. He reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to own nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
‘We are lock and loaded for Iran,’ Hegseth said. He further added that the ‘US will maintain the blockade for as long as it takes,’ further urging Iran to choose wisely. ‘The world should open its eyes to US successes,’ he added.
