Syria’s transitional government president Shala told a UAE TV interview on the 21st that Damascus is not seeking military intervention in Lebanon and will not send forces to southern Lebanon, denying media speculation tied to recent comments by US President Trump that Syria “could help deal with Hezbollah.” Shala said Trump’s remarks have been misread as an imminent invasion, urged the US to stop the fighting, and added Syria has multiple tools to influence Lebanon internally but any action woul

U.S. Vice President Vance, at talks in Switzerland, said negotiations with Iran have made "significant" progress in recent hours and more gains are expected within hours. He said both sides now see "a shared future"; President Trump has urged a "new page" in relations with the Iranian people and has authorized pursuit of diplomatic solutions on a range of issues, though Vance questioned whether this can permanently reshape the Middle East balance. Saudi media reported Vance announced the Strait of Hormuz has been opened and that further steps are expected. Vance said substantial progress has been made toward a Lebanese ceasefire in recent days, while warning such pauses are often "messy"; Trump remains committed to a comprehensive regional ceasefire.

Press TV reports an Iranian delegation has lodged a protest with the US over Trump’s recent verbal threats and is weighing options for an appropriate response.