Key facts
- Israeli air and drone strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 12 people.
- The attacks occurred amid escalating regional violence and exchanges of fire between the U.S. and Iran.
- Hezbollah claimed responsibility for striking Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon.
- A senior U.S. official stated Iran agreed to dismantle its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Israel's Defence Minister stated the country will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
- One person was killed in an Israeli attack in Maarakeh, Lebanon.
Israeli air and drone strikes in southern Lebanon's Nabatiyeh and Marjayoun districts have resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including two children and a paramedic. These attacks are part of escalating regional violence, which includes exchanges of fire between the U.S. and Iran. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching rocket salvos against Israeli military positions in the towns of al-Qawzah and Rashaf, stating its fighters targeted concentrations of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers.
Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official indicated that Iran has agreed to a "performance-based deal" that includes dismantling its nuclear program, destroying enriched materials, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's army chief of staff, Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, asserted that Iran will never pursue nuclear weapons and maintains dominance over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a Memorandum of Understanding is "never been closer," while US Vice President JD Vance commented that Iran would not receive funds for merely signing a deal.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, emphasizing the country's ability to act independently to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The Israeli military also reported that air sirens sounded in several areas in northern Israel following a drone infiltration. Reports from Beirut indicate continued Israeli air strikes on multiple locations, including the village of Debeen and concentrated fire around Majdal Zoun, with forced displacement orders issued for residents of three villages in the Sidon district. One person was killed in an Israeli attack in Maarakeh, Lebanon, and earlier strikes demolished homes and government buildings in Bint Jbeil.