The morning newspapers reported Hezbollah's hardened stance against disarmament efforts, with Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem effectively "ending discussion" about surrendering weapons, according to Lebanon24. This escalation contrasts with recent positive signals and President Aoun's timeline for weapons control by 2025. U.S. official Morgan Ortagus dismissed Qassem's speech with a "yawn" comment.
Iranian-American nuclear talks resumed in Rome, with sources describing a "constructive atmosphere" during the four-hour meeting. A third round is scheduled for April 26 in Oman.
The Holy Fire ceremony took center stage by afternoon, with the sacred flame arriving in Beirut via Jordan. Christians gathered to light their candles from the flame that originated at Christ's tomb in Jerusalem.
The Lebanese Civil Defense reported recovering remains of two martyrs near Rashaya al-Foukhar, while reports emerged of sea-based strikes on Hezbollah positions.