Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared Lebanon is entering a 'new phase' following the ceasefire with Israel, with the government actively working toward what he described as 'permanent agreements' to replace the current truce arrangement. The statement signals Beirut's intent to formalize security arrangements beyond the temporary cessation of hostilities that ended recent fighting. The push for lasting agreements reflects a broader Lebanese state objective: reasserting sovereign military control over its southern territory, an area where Hezbollah has historically operated independently of the central government. That structural dynamic, armed non-state actors operating parallel to state authority, has been the core obstacle to durable peace arrangements in prior ceasefires. The practical test will be whether Beirut can translate diplomatic language into enforceable ground-level control, and whether Israel accepts formal agreements in lieu of continued pressure. Investors and regional operators should watch for any internationally brokered framework, particularly involving the U.S. or France, which have historically served as guarantors in Lebanese security arrangements.
Qatar's foreign ministry said mediators including Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman have reached "very progressive stages" in efforts to end the US-Iran war, pushing Brent crude down more than four percent.
Qatar confirmed it is mediating between the US and Iran but said no direct talks are currently planned. The clarification follows conflicting statements from President Trump, who claimed talks are under way, and Tehran, which denied any dialogue is happening.
Saudi Aramco reported sharply higher second-quarter 2026 profits as the Iran war restricts global oil supply and pushes crude prices up. Other oil supermajors also posted outsized earnings, raising concerns about sustained fuel cost pressure for importing economies.
President Trump called current Iran negotiations the "last chance" to end five months of conflict, pushing oil prices higher. Tehran denied formal talks are taking place, raising the risk of a diplomatic breakdown with direct consequences for global energy markets.
