US President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their most recent conversation to scale back strikes on Lebanon and push for negotiations.

"I wish to inform you: There is no ceasefire in Lebanon. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we restore your security," he said.

Following the Israeli strikes on Hezbollah, Iran had warned that the attacks made negotiations ''meaningless.''

Israeli PM Netanyahu instructs his cabinet to begin direct talks with Lebanon CNN's Nada Bashir is live in Beirut.

Iraq soccer team gets hero's welcome after World Cup qualifier