The day opened with Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon and Hezbollah drone attacks on Shomera, the first such strike since the ceasefire. By mid-morning, Iran's president defied the US naval blockade, while Israel issued evacuation orders for 15 southern villages. In the afternoon, the US embassy in Beirut called for direct Lebanese-Israeli negotiations, with Trump announcing talks within two weeks, framing a potential Aoun-Netanyahu meeting as a historic opportunity for sovereignty. The army conducted a raid in Baalbek, seizing weapons. The day's editorial focus was the US push for direct talks, contrasting with ongoing military escalation and domestic political rifts between Aoun and Berri.