Smoke billows from southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Marjeyoun, Lebanon, May 15, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
Reuters
Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire and hold expanded talks on a political settlement, the United States announced on Friday (May 15, 2026), even as Israel carried out new strikes that it insists are not subject to the truce.
At least six people were killed, including three paramedics, and 22 were wounded in an Israeli strike on a civil defence centre in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese state news agency said early Saturday (May 16, 2026).
A day after U.S. President Donald Trump said Xi Jinping had offered China’s help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday (May 15, 2026) he had “received messages” from the United States saying it is willing to continue talks, and that he was open to any support, including from China.
“We received messages again from the Americans saying that they are willing to continue the talks and continue the interaction,” Mr. Araghchi told reporters in New Delhi. Mr. Trump said that the Chinese leader had also pledged not to send military equipment to aid Iran in its war against the United States and Israel.
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May 16, 2026 08:59
Iran FM says U.S. willing to continue talks, open to China’s help
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday (May 15, 2026) he had “received messages” from the United States saying it is willing to continue talks, and that he was open to any support, including from China.
“We received messages again from the Americans saying that they are willing to continue the talks and continue the interaction,” Mr. Araghchi told reporters in New Delhi.
Iran FM says U.S. willing to continue talks, open to China’s help
Iran's FM Araghchi confirms U.S. readiness for talks and welcomes China's potential assistance in diplomatic efforts.
May 16, 2026 08:48
Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire
Israel has been pounding Lebanon and invaded its south in response to fire from Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shia movement that is not part of the ceasefire diplomacy.
Israel, Lebanon agree to extension of ceasefire despite new strikes
Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire by 45 days after U.S.-brokered talks, aiming for lasting peace and security.
Published - May 16, 2026 08:51 am IST
