US Navy is also searching for a helicopter crew member after an “emergency water landing” in Arabian Sea.
The latest developments
• Qatar talks: Meetings in Doha through mediators between US and Iranian negotiators made “positive progress” on Wednesday with issues tied to the memorandum of understanding, and both sides agreed to continue discussions, Qatar said.
• Tehran’s warning: Iran issued a fresh warning on Thursday for vessels to follow Tehran-designated routes through the Strait of Hormuz, once again spotlighting the tensions over the crucial waterway.
• Missing crew: The US Navy is searching for a missing crew member after a helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea, underscoring the ongoing risks troops face even as talks halt fighting.
Syria’s foreign minister makes first visit to Beirut after Trump suggested Syria fights Hezbollah
Syria’s foreign minister is visiting Beirut for talks with Lebanese officials, marking his first official trip since the US president raised the possibility of Syrian intervention in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s president discussed bilateral ties with Syrian official Asaad al-Shibani and said Beirut welcomes coordination with Damascus on border control and weapons smuggling, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA).
During a meeting with Hezbollah-allied Lebanese official Nabih Berri, Syria’s foreign minister said Damascus is open to meeting the Iranian-backed group if it would be beneficial, NNA reported.
The Syrian visit comes at a sensitive moment for both countries, after Trump suggested Syrian forces could confront Hezbollah. Syria later clarified it would intervene only at the Lebanese government’s request.
