Lebanon says it is not aware of planned talks with Israel - reports 

Reported damage on a fishing pier in the port of Qeshm island, Iran, backdropped by ships in the Strait of Hormuz Picture; Asghar Besharati/AP

Optimism grew on Thursday that the war in the Middle East may be near an end, with a key Pakistani mediator in Tehran and the administration of President Donald Trump talking up hopes ​for a deal that would open the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Israel's cabinet met on Wednesday to discuss a possible ceasefire in neighbouring Lebanon, a senior Israeli official said, more than six weeks into its ‌war with Iran-backed Hezbollah. Mr Trump said talks between leaders of both countries would take place on Thursday, while the Financial Times reported a ceasefire could be announced soon, citing Lebanese officials.