UNITED STATES PERSPECTIVE

Washington orchestrates two simultaneous negotiations that form one larger effort. The New York Times reports that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was announced by Trump on Truth Social after what he describes as 'excellent conversations' with Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Trump immediately followed by inviting both leaders to the White House—what would be the first meeting between an Israeli and Lebanese leader since 1983. The Washington Post, meanwhile, focuses on the day's most explosive claim: Trump states that Iran has agreed to surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium, which he calls 'nuclear dust'. The Post notes with caution that no Iranian confirmation followed. This dual diplomatic performance is no accident. By delegating the Israel-Lebanon file to Vance and Rubio while claiming the Iran breakthrough for himself, Trump creates a narrative where every advance is his. The fact that he mentions a possible trip to Islamabad to sign the Iran agreement, while the war costs what Democrats say is $2 billion per day, shows the stakes are as much electoral as geopolitical. The War Powers resolution failed 214-213: Trump keeps his hands free, but by a single vote.