The World in Brief from The Economist

Talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, DC ended after two hours. Israel’s ambassador to America said the countries were “united in liberating Lebanon” from Hizbullah, an Iran-backed militia; Donald Trump told the New York Post that a new round of talks between America and Iran could take place “over the next two days”

Iran threatened to strike Gulf ports after America began a blockade of ships using Iranian ports and coastal areas. Also, Hizbullah’s leader, Naim Qassem, said that Lebanon should cancel talks with Israel scheduled for Tuesday in Washington.

Donald Trump said that Iran had made contact and wanted a deal “very badly” after America began a blockade of ships using Iranian ports and coastal areas.

Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister since 2010, conceded defeat in parliamentary elections. Also, the Pentagon said a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would begin at 10am Eastern Time on Monday.

Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister since 2010, conceded defeat in the country’s parliamentary elections.

Donald Trump said America would begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks with Iran broke down. Commenting on the negotiations, Mr Trump said they “went well” and that “most points were agreed to”, except the “only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR”

J.D. Vance said that after 21 hours of peace talks in Pakistan America and Iran had failed to agree a deal; Two American destroyers passed through the Strait of Hormuz to begin clearing Iranian-laid mines, the Pentagon said.

Israel’s armed forces say they struck more than 200 targets in Lebanon affiliated with Hizbullah, the armed group backed by Iran