- Israeli strikes on Saturday killed 11 people in Lebanon, including several children, according to Lebanese authorities, marking the deadliest day since a US-brokered ceasefire.
- Israel said the strikes were in response to a Hezbollah drone attack that wounded three soldiers, and claimed to target a Hezbollah headquarters, acknowledging family members of the targeted fighter were present.
- A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel wants new and more ambitious talks with Lebanon, and that the strikes should 'jumpstart' the talks, not hinder them.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said negotiations with Oman on maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz are ongoing and separate from the reopening of the strait, which depends on US adherence to other conditions.
Iran's negotiations with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz are ongoing, focusing on defining new maritime routes due to the previous ones being non-functional. Araghchi stated, "Once this route has been determined, whether the Strait will be reopened or not will depend on the fulfilment of other conditions to which the United States must adhere."89
In parallel, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, including children, marking the deadliest day of Israeli raids since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The strikes were a response to a Hezbollah attack that injured three Israeli soldiers. Israel claimed to target a Hezbollah headquarters but acknowledged that family members of the targeted fighter were present during the attack.345
A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a desire for more ambitious talks with Lebanon, asserting that the strikes should "jumpstart" negotiations rather than hinder them. The U.S.-brokered agreement aims for the Lebanese army to restore authority over its territory, pending Hezbollah's disarmament, after which Israeli forces would gradually withdraw.
However, Hezbollah has rejected the deal, claiming it undermines Lebanese sovereignty. The group’s chief, Naim Qassem, criticized the ongoing Israeli attacks as part of a pattern allowed by the U.S., stating that the ceasefire has been ineffective, with significant destruction occurring in southern Lebanon.
The situation remains tense as both diplomatic and military actions unfold in the region.
“Araghchi noted the previous maritime routes are no longer functional, so a temporary route is being designed. Meanwhile, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected the US-brokered deal, saying it 'grants Israel everything it wants' and leaves nothing for Lebanon.”
