The unusually direct U.S. intervention in Lebanon's sectarian politics appears aimed at capitalizing on shifts in the power balance in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, with Iran-backed Hezbollah badly pummelled from last year's war with Israel and its Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad ousted from power.

Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat has visited Lebanon for the first time in a decade following years of strained relations between the oil-rich kingdom and the tiny Mediterranean country.

DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia will continue supporting Lebanon and is optimistic about the country's future after a ceasefire brought an end to a war between Israel and the militant Iran-aligned Hezbollah group, the kingdom's foreign minister said from Beirut.

The visit coincided with early signs of recovery in Lebanon’s economy as it improves relations with Gulf states and others following the election of President Joseph Aoun. After his meeting with Aoun,

Saudi Arabia's top diplomat, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, visited Lebanon for the first time in a decade amid easing tensions following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The visit comes as Lebanon elected new leadership and seeks to rekindle ties with Gulf nations amid an economic crisis.

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Saudi Arabia's foreign minister visits Lebanon on Thursday in the first trip to Beirut by Riyadh's top diplomat in 15 years, seeking a commitment to reform as the Gulf state reasserts sway in a country where Iranian influence is waning.

Following the extension of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon until 18 February, residents of southern Lebanon continue to attempt returning home, despite facing Israeli gunfire. While the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were expected to deploy and take control of areas from which Israeli troops were supposed to withdraw,

Saudi Arabia's top diplomat, on his country's first high-level visit to Beirut after years of strained ties, said Thursday that he believed crisis-hit Lebanon's new leaders could spearhead long-sought reforms.

BEIRUT — Saudi Arabia's top diplomat visited Lebanon on Thursday for the first time in a decade following years of strained relations between the oil-rich kingdom and the small Mediterranean ...

Egypt's demographic and economic challenges have weakened its position, creating a vacuum that has been filled by an increasingly assertive Saudi crown prince.

In four weeks and across different regions, Gulf nations helped negotiate ceasefires, secure the release of captives, facilitate prisoner exchanges and resolve political stalemates, demonstrating how they have expanded their influence in diplomacy and international relations.