Hezbollah signals ceasefire as US‑Iran talks shape Middle East tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Hezbollah conveyed a cease‑fire message, saying the group will refrain from attacking Israel if Israel stops striking Beirut. Analysts described the statement as a tactical step linked to ongoing US‑Iran diplomatic contacts aimed at de‑escalating the region.

In a separate interview, former US President Donald Trump confirmed he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “crazy” during phone talks about the Lebanon clashes. Trump said the exchange occurred while the United States was mediating with Iran to end hostilities, underscoring the broader diplomatic push for a cease‑fire that would encompass Lebanon, Israel, and Iran‑backed militias.