Key facts
- Israel's army reported striking over 70 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon in the past day.
- At least five people were killed and a Lebanese soldier was injured in recent Israeli attacks.
- Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated a US-Iran agreement is likely to be finalised within 24 hours.
- Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, pledged Tehran would remain steadfast until victory.
- A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman, with the crew reported safe.
Israel's army reported striking over 70 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon in the past day, claiming to have killed fighters and destroyed rocket launchers, amid ongoing displacement orders for Lebanese towns. This military activity continues despite signals that a US-Iran deal to end their conflict may be within reach.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indicated that the finalisation of a US-Iran agreement is likely expected within 24 hours, with electronic signing to follow, and technical talks scheduled for the next week. He expressed confidence that the deal would establish a foundation for lasting peace.
However, the situation on the ground in Lebanon remains tense. At least five people were killed and a Lebanese soldier was severely injured in separate Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon. The Israeli military also reported the fall of a suspicious aerial target in southern Lebanon and activated air raid alerts due to hostile aircraft.
Iran's top negotiator and Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused the US and Israel of targeting civilians and pledged that Tehran would remain steadfast until victory. He stated that Iran would stand firm, drawing inspiration from the martyrs of the recent war.
In a separate incident, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman, though the crew is safe and there is no environmental impact. Authorities are investigating.
Analysts suggest that the potential US-Iran deal presents a 'moment of danger' for Lebanon, as military activity has not ceased. Forced displacement orders have been issued for numerous towns and villages, extending north of previously controlled areas, indicating an expansion rather than a cessation of Israeli military operations. Communication between Iranian leadership and negotiators is reportedly taking time due to security concerns, and Israeli aggression in Lebanon could potentially disrupt the peace negotiations.