Amid the broader US–Iran confrontation, Israel and Lebanon have entered a 10-day ceasefire — though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled that the Israeli military will remain in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s comments about the conflict were interpreted on Wall Street as “constructive signals” toward an eventual end to fighting in the Middle East, helping push both the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 to fresh record closes for a second consecutive session. The Nasdaq rose 0.36% to 24,102.70 points, and the S&P 500 gained 0.26% to 7,041.28 points.
But tensions with allies are also simmering. Trump criticised Australia over its posture regarding the Strait of Hormuz, adding diplomatic friction at a moment when Canberra is already grappling with the domestic fallout from the Geelong refinery fire.
