(AFP) – The latest developments in the Middle East war:
– **Iran open to US talks: judiciary chief**
Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei on Friday said Tehran was open to talks with the United States but would not accept what he called policy “imposition” under threats. “The Islamic Republic has never shied away from negotiations… but we certainly do not accept imposition,” Ejei said in a video carried by the judiciary’s Mizan Online website.
– **Air defences activated in Tehran**
Air defences were heard in the Iranian capital Tehran on Thursday night after they were activated to counter small aircraft and drones, Iran’s Tasnim and Fars news agencies reported. Air defences were active for about 20 minutes and the city returned to a “normal situation,” according to the news agencies.
– **US urges meeting of Israel, Lebanon leaders**
The US embassy in Lebanon called for a meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders as the health ministry said Israeli strikes on the country’s south killed at least 15 people despite an ongoing ceasefire. “Lebanon stands at a crossroads. Its people have a historic opportunity to reclaim their country and shape their future as a truly sovereign, independent nation,” the embassy said, adding that “the time for hesitation is over.” Trump has said he hopes to host Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “over the next couple of weeks” as the two Middle East countries prepare for direct negotiations.
– **Trump mulls US troop cuts in Italy, Spain**
President Donald Trump said Thursday he may pull US troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the Iran war, a day after proposing a similar reduction in Germany. “Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn’t I?” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if he would consider reducing American troop numbers in Spain and Italy too. “Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible,” Trump added.
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