The war in Ukraine has impeded the ability of Russia and the U.S. to find areas of agreement on other topics.

We think it would be good for Russia if that war came to an end.

The U.S. remains open and willing to play a constructive role in bringing that war to an end.

China has been clear that they don't support any tolling or restrictions on global shipping through international waterways.

A statement like that from a country like China is important.

The Houthis threatened global shipping in the past. This is not a new threat. We've been engaged with the Saudis a number of times over the last week in regard to that threat.

Iran is in the middle of it. Iran is the troublemaker.

They decided to send direct flights from Tehran into Yemen, carrying IRGC elements and others into the country. And the Saudis responded to it. And that's what's led to the situation we're now facing.

I would like to address a message to all Lebanese people, especially to our people in the South, from the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya. This is a national moment that carries significant political and moral dimensions, because it represents the beginning of the Israeli withdrawal from our land.

From the outset, we have affirmed that our goal is the complete Israeli withdrawal from all our lands. What we are witnessing today is merely a beginning, but we are determined and steadfast, and we will continue to mobilize all our political and diplomatic efforts to secure the complete withdrawal from all Lebanese territories. And this is my first message.

As for my second message, it is to our people in the South. We are here to affirm that we have begun mobilizing all the capabilities of the state to accompany your return. The Lebanese Army and the security forces are present to protect our returning people, and in parallel with completing the army's deployment, we will continue to open the roads, clear the rubble, and secure basic services, enabling our people to return safely and with dignity to their homes and villages.

We have also begun preparations to restore all basic services, from water and electricity to communications, and to secure ready housing and everything necessary to provide a transitional phase.

I would like to emphasize that the return of life to the South is not just a slogan, but a national goal to which the state is committed. The return of our people to their land is the truest expression of Lebanon's unity and sovereignty.