Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged Hezbollah to prioritize Lebanon's interests over Iran's and to support the government's negotiations with Israel for a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has rejected the ceasefire plan, calling the negotiations "shameful."
An Israeli air raid in Maarakeh, southern Lebanon, killed one person, with attacks continuing despite a US-brokered ceasefire. The raids, targeting areas north of the "Yellow Line," come as Iran and the US reportedly agree on a deal to end regional conflict, raising fears Israel's actions could jeopardize it. Israel also issued forced displacement orders and demolished homes in Bint Jbeil.
The Israeli army announced Saturday it was preparing strikes against Hezbollah in the Nabatiyeh region of southern Lebanon, urging 20 localities to evacuate. Meanwhile, the US reported downing Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as cautious optimism surrounds a potential US-Iran framework agreement.
Arab nations are mobilizing to support Lebanon's internal and external efforts to achieve a ceasefire, coinciding with US-Iran discussions on the same goal. Lebanon is preparing for new negotiations with Israel in Washington, insisting on a ceasefire. Meanwhile, attacks on Syrian internal security checkpoints near Ain al-Arab are attributed to the "Revolutionary Youth," a group linked to the SDF, raising tensions.
An Arab initiative is underway to support Lebanon in its internal and external efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, coinciding with US-Iran discussions. Lebanon is preparing for new negotiations with Israel in Washington, insisting on a ceasefire. Meanwhile, attacks on Syrian internal security checkpoints near Ain al-Arab are attributed to the 'Revolutionary Youth,' linked to SDF, amid ongoing implementation of a merger agreement between Syrian government and SDF institutions.
Iran has outlined conditions for a potential deal with the US, focusing on sanctions relief, maritime access, and regional security, separate from nuclear talks. Key demands include lifting the US naval blockade, a new arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz, and inclusion of Hezbollah in Lebanon. While US officials prioritize nuclear restrictions and regional security, Iran stresses performance-based sanctions relief. A digital signing is being considered, with Pakistan mediating.
Iran has presented a set of conditions for a potential deal with the US, prioritizing sanctions relief, maritime access, and regional security, including Lebanon. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a memorandum of understanding is close to finalization, focusing on ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with nuclear program negotiations to follow. US priorities include nuclear restrictions and halting funding for proxy groups.
Iran has presented a set of conditions for a potential agreement with the US, prioritizing sanctions relief, reopening the Strait of Hormuz under its terms, and including Lebanon's Hezbollah in the deal. Nuclear program discussions are deferred to a later phase.
A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, excluding Hezbollah, has failed to stop ongoing fighting. Despite an 11th-hour intervention by US President Donald Trump preventing an Israeli assault on Beirut, Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah drones target Israel, threatening regional escalation.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the US will pledge non-interference in Tehran's internal affairs under a memorandum of understanding. The deal also includes an end to Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Araghchi stated that failure to implement the MoU would halt talks on a final agreement.
Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, including Nabatiyeh, Marjayoun, and Qlayaa, on Friday morning. The strikes follow days of escalating regional violence, including US-Iran exchanges, and have caused significant damage and displacement in Lebanese communities.
Lebanon's Amal Movement and Hezbollah maintain a firm alliance despite Israel's 100-day war. Analysts suggest Amal could consolidate its role as the Shia community's patron within state institutions, especially if Hezbollah's influence wanes.
An Israeli raid near a hospital in Tyre, southern Lebanon, injured 10 staff members. The city has faced intensified Israeli strikes since the war between Israel and Hezbollah began, with hospitals sustaining damage and casualties.
Israeli soldiers have established operational control and conducted a clearance operation north of the Saluki River in southern Lebanon, dismantling hundreds of structures and eliminating over 50 Hezbollah terrorists. The operation aimed to strengthen positions and remove threats to northern Israeli communities.
Ten hospital staff were injured in an Israeli raid near a hospital in Tyre, southern Lebanon. This incident highlights the ongoing impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure and healthcare facilities in the region.
An Israeli raid near a hospital in Tyre, southern Lebanon, injured 10 staff members. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilian infrastructure, with hospitals in the region frequently targeted.
Lebanese President Aoun criticized Israeli intransigence in negotiations, stating Lebanon has a clear plan while Israel rejects serious proposals. He emphasized his negotiating strength stems from his constitutional position, backed by US support for Lebanon.
Hezbollah announced its operations against Israel on Wednesday, including targeting a vehicle with stolen goods. Meanwhile, intense Israeli shelling in southern and eastern Lebanon resulted in 7 deaths and dozens injured. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called for an end to hostilities with Israel, setting conditions for withdrawal and cessation of attacks.
President Aoun stressed Lebanon's national sovereignty in an interview with Reuters, stating the country is independent and will not accept Tehran dictating its actions. He rejected turning Lebanon into a battleground for others' disputes and emphasized diplomacy as the sole solution for regional crises, including with Israel.
Lebanon prepares for the fifth round of US-sponsored negotiations with Israel, demanding a ceasefire and army deployment in a "trial zone" as a model for reconstruction. Beirut hopes for US pressure on Israel, fearing that a lack of Israeli cooperation could strengthen Iran's position in its own talks with the US and benefit the "Shiite duo."
Lebanon has welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision to lift the ban on imports from Lebanon, citing positive steps taken by the Lebanese government to rebuild state institutions. The ban, which began in 2021, was imposed due to the smuggling of captagon.
Oil prices saw a slight increase as President Trump threatened to seize Iran's Kharg Island and control its oil markets, following US airstrikes. Despite escalating tensions, Rystad Energy suggests the market is better positioned to absorb disruptions.
Despite announced ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, fighting persists. Israel expands territory in Gaza and Lebanon, while the US and Iran engage in air attacks amid ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program.
Lebanon's President Aoun met with a delegation and stressed the importance of state sovereignty and negotiations with Israel. Lebanon demands a full Israeli withdrawal, cessation of attacks, and return of displaced persons and prisoners as conditions for a lasting ceasefire.
