Hezbollah said it will not accept the results of so‑called direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel and demands a comprehensive ceasefire that includes southern Lebanon and an Israeli withdrawal. The group urged officials to end the 'farce' of direct talks and denounced a Washington statement as 'a roadmap to eliminate part of the Lebanese people.' Hezbollah said it never pledged not to resist aggression, refuses to tie its existence to a ceasefire or Israeli withdrawal, and warned that re

On the 3rd, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have stalled in recent months and carry a real risk of escalation. He said the conflict cannot be resolved by military means and must be settled diplomatically, but that route has not produced results to date. Both sides appear unwilling to make the concessions required for a deal, he said. Russia retains long-range strike capabilities and Ukraine can retaliate in kind, making the risk of escalation real and more tangible than two years ago.

At the close, NYMEX July light sweet crude futures settled up $2.26 at $96.02/bbl, +2.41%; ICE Brent August futures settled up $1.81 at $97.81/bbl, +1.89%.