The day opened with reports of stalled Rome negotiations and Lebanon weighing a boycott of the eighth round if its demands were unmet. Frustration was evident among political and military delegations. By morning, Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel insisted that no other issue be discussed until Hezbollah's weapons file was resolved, setting a hardline political tone.
Concurrently, the battle over Ali Taher tunnels intensified, with Israeli strikes and Hezbollah expanding its tunnel network. Iran's appointment of new military commanders and Trump's demand for compensation from Tehran added regional dimensions. In the afternoon, the army commander visited troops in the Bekaa, calling them the 'difficult number' in Lebanon's equation. By evening, Israeli shelling continued in the south, and tensions delayed the next round of talks. The editorial focus remained on the diplomatic impasse and Gemayel's ultimatum, framing the day as one of political brinkmanship.