Key facts
- Iran reaffirmed support for Hezbollah and demanded Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
- Iran made a Lebanon ceasefire a condition for any peace deal with Washington.
- Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected a U.S.-brokered pact to halt fighting.
- Israel stated its forces would not withdraw or halt operations in Lebanon.
- Iranian and U.S. forces exchanged attacks in the Gulf of Oman.
- Oil loading was suspended at Oman's Mina al Fahal terminal after an alleged drone attack.
Iran has reaffirmed its support for Hezbollah, demanding Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon. This stance complicates broader peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran and efforts to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict in Lebanon has seen continued Israeli strikes and Hezbollah's rejection of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem called the pact a 'shameless' attempt to force surrender, stating the group would not withdraw while Israeli forces remain. Israel has stated its forces will not withdraw or halt operations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the end of the war in Lebanon must be accompanied by an Israeli withdrawal. Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, also voiced support for Hezbollah and warned Israel against striking Beirut. Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri stated he would agree to Hezbollah's withdrawal if Israeli troops simultaneously left occupied territory. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun accused Iran of using Lebanon as a 'bargaining chip' in negotiations with the U.S. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about progress in Lebanon, despite ongoing fighting in Gaza, northern Israel, and Kuwait. Tensions also escalated in the Gulf, with Iranian and U.S. forces exchanging attacks. An alleged drone attack in Oman briefly suspended oil loading at the Mina al Fahal terminal. Iranian oil exports have fallen to a six-year low.