Key facts
- The UN Security Council condemned the killing of UNIFIL peacekeeper Milovan Jovanovic in southern Lebanon.
- Israel conducted intensified military activity in southern Lebanon, including drone attacks and artillery shelling.
- Iran's Foreign Minister stated a US-Iran memorandum of understanding is closer than ever.
- President Donald Trump reposted the Iranian minister's statement, having previously criticized alleged leaks about the deal.
- The mayor of al-Rayhan, Ali Badie, was reported killed in a raid on the town.
The UN Security Council has condemned the killing of UNIFIL peacekeeper Milovan Jovanovic in southern Lebanon, marking the seventh fatality since March 2. This condemnation comes amid intensified Israeli military activity in the region, including air strikes and drone attacks on towns like Ar-Rihan, Kfar Hounah, Khiam, Qasiba, and al-Sarirah, leading to the death of at least one person and the evacuation of over 20 locations.
Concurrently, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a memorandum of understanding with the United States to end the war is closer than ever, urging an end to media speculation. President Donald Trump reposted Araghchi's statement on Truth Social, having previously criticized alleged leaks about the deal. Reports suggest the potential deal involves a phased approach, beginning with a memorandum of agreement, though significant differences remain, particularly regarding Lebanon's role, which Trump insists will not be part of the MoU.
In a separate development, the mayor of al-Rayhan, Ali Badie, was reported killed in a raid on the town. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the country as being at a "fateful juncture" concerning its sovereignty and the rule of law. Meanwhile, Palestinians experienced tear gas inhalation during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank's Dheisheh refugee camp. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed efforts to end the US-Israel war on Iran with his Egyptian counterpart, expressing hope for a constructive outcome. Iran also reported the arrest of a suspected spy.