Israel and Lebanon hold first direct talks since 1993 | BBC News

Lebanon and Israel have held their first diplomatic talks in over three decades - a rare encounter aimed at ending fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who mediated the meeting in Washington, said it was a "historic opportunity" to end Hezbollah's influence.

Meanwhile, the US said no ships passed through its blockade on the Strait of Hormuz in the first 24 hours, and six merchant vessels turned around after "direction from US forces".

China has called the blockade "irresponsible and dangerous".

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