U.S. TO MEDIATE BETWEEN LEBANON AND ISRAEL -LEBANESE PRESIDENCY

US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Islamabad for Iran talks after Tehran signaled interest in negotiating with him, viewing him as relatively anti-war within President Donald Trump’s circle, according to sources. The White House said Trump alone chose Vance and will decide on any deal, while officials gave mixed accounts on Iran’s preference. Vance said the US would negotiate in good faith. Despite new negotiators, including Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, key differences persist. A White House official said doubts prevail and Trump now believes reopening the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely anytime soon.

XI JINPING MEETS KMT CHAIR CHENG LI-WEN - STATE MEDIA