rki.news

US President Donald Trump has announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon following high-level discussions at the White House with officials from both sides.

The temporary truce comes amid renewed tensions after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and retaliatory rocket fire by Hezbollah into northern Israel. The extension aims to prevent further escalation and provide space for diplomatic engagement.

In a related development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Iran’s national football team will be allowed to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to begin on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Rubio rejected reports suggesting Washington had blocked Iran’s participation, stating that athletes would be permitted entry. However, he noted that individuals with alleged links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards may face travel restrictions due to security concerns.

Separately, France and the United Kingdom are working on a joint initiative to safeguard maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping corridor. The proposed multinational mission aims to ensure safe navigation amid ongoing regional tensions, though questions remain over its scope and long-term effectiveness.