Every way you try to force the pieces of this apocalyptic puzzle of the US, Iran, Israel, Lebanon and the wider Middle East together, they simply do not fit – and everything is at stake, writes chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Israel and Lebanon hold first direct talks since 1993, but Hezbollah's rejection threatens the US-brokered effort.

Washington is hosting the diplomatic talks and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate