Israeli army strikes Hezbollah stronghold amid ongoing conflict

Israel has indicated it would retaliate if Iran responds to future Israeli strikes in Lebanon, according to reports. Israeli officials believe a reported understanding between Washington and Tehran includes a cessation of hostilities across multiple fronts, including a ceasefire in Lebanon. If Hezbollah attacks northern Israeli communities, Israel would strike Beirut’s southern suburbs and assess Iran’s response, according to Israeli sources.

These statements come amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and the Israeli army in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed to have carried out drone strikes on Israeli artillery positions, while the Israeli military asserted it has killed over 10 Hezbollah commanders, including Haj Salama. Israel has also conducted air raids and ordered forced displacement from villages in southern Lebanon, reporting the downing of two drones.

Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that diplomatic efforts with the United States are intended to consolidate what he described as Iran’s victory in recent conflicts, outlining a proposed memorandum of understanding that is nearing completion. Araghchi described the 14-point framework as a necessary step to solidify gains, emphasizing that Iran has been the winner of the war and its people are the true victors. The proposed memorandum would defer nuclear and sanctions issues to later talks, while the release of frozen Iranian assets is contingent on signing the memorandum. Araghchi stressed that Lebanon was not forgotten during the conflict and that Iran's response to Israeli actions there was a strategic achievement, adding that the framework would end hostilities across all fronts.

Reports of a potential peace deal between the US and Iran have been met with mixed reactions. US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the reported terms as "dishonorable" and "fake news."