Key facts
- Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least seven people, including two children.
- Hezbollah fired over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces overnight.
- An interim agreement between the US and Iran has been signed, reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- US-Iran talks in Switzerland have been delayed due to ongoing fighting.
- Iran insists that fighting in Lebanon must cease before nuclear program talks can resume.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports of a ceasefire agreement. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is threatening an interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating regional tensions and addressing Iran's nuclear program.
The strikes hit the towns of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages, with several people reported trapped under rubble. Mediators, including Qatar, the U.S., and Iran, are attempting to broker a ceasefire. This escalation follows a heavy exchange on Friday that resulted in numerous casualties on both sides.
An Israeli military official stated that Hezbollah had fired over 50 projectiles into southern Lebanon overnight, prompting Israeli targeting of the militant group. Hezbollah has indicated it will abide by a ceasefire if Israel does, but has not confirmed one is in place. The interim U.S.-Iran deal, signed this week, has already led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and includes provisions for resuming talks on Iran's nuclear program.
However, the continued fighting has delayed planned U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland. Iran insists that hostilities in Lebanon must cease before negotiations can proceed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to maintain Israeli forces in southern Lebanon until threats are eliminated, while Hezbollah demands an Israeli withdrawal. The interim deal provides a 60-day window for negotiators to reach a comprehensive nuclear agreement, with potential incentives including the lifting of sanctions and a reconstruction fund for Iran.