Good morning. Another week has brought continued brinkmanship and broken truces. Although US president Donald Trump has suggested a possible agreement with Iran could be reached soon, residents across the Middle East do not sense that peace is close. More strikes have hit Lebanon this week, raising the death toll, weakening economies and forcing large-scale displacement. For many in the region, keeping a bag ready for quick departure by bus, car or foot to a safer location has become routine. Emma Graham-Harrison, who has reported from Kabul, Beijing and Madrid and is now based in Jerusalem as chief Middle East correspondent, discussed the situation while traveling to Zurich for an award nomination related to her Gaza coverage. The conversation focused on daily life amid ongoing instability that sometimes draws global attention and at other times does not. Headlines include UK politics, where Andy Burnham said he would start fixing the social care system this year if elected prime minister. Environment reports indicate it is possible to improve living standards, cut inequality and limit warming to 2C. Ukraine’s president has called for direct talks with Russia’s leader. England faces concerns that planning changes could worsen access to green spaces in poorer areas. A report also revealed private income from royal properties. In depth, Trump again stated Iran is near a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Yet strikes in Lebanon have killed at least nine and displaced hundreds of thousands, complicating diplomacy. Israel’s defense minister said operations would continue despite a US-backed ceasefire, which Hezbollah later rejected. Analysts note the moves may serve domestic political aims ahead of Israeli elections.
