Trump to AFP: Iran deal a 'total and complete victory for the US
U.S. President Donald Trump told AFP that the United States had achieved a “total and complete victory” by securing a two-week cease-fire agreement with Iran.
“Total and complete victory. 100 percent. No question about it,” Trump said in a brief interview following the announcement of the deal.
He also told AFP that the issue of Iran’s uranium would be “taken care of." The issue of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile would be “perfectly taken care of” under the deal “or I wouldn’t have settled,” Trump said when asked what would happen to Iran’s enriched uranium.
White House says it is considering 'in-person talks' with Iran
The United States is considering “in-person talks” with Iran, the White House spokesperson said Tuesday, after Washington and Tehran agreed to a two-week cease-fire in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“There are discussions about in person talks, but nothing is final until announced by the president or the White House.” Karoline Leavitt added, as talks between the two sides are set to begin Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan.
She also said on X that the cease-fire agreement is a “victory” for the United States. “This is a victory for the United States that President Trump and our incredible military made happen,” Leavitt wrote on X.
Netanyahu’s office says cease-fire 'does not include Lebanon'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country supports U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend strikes on Iran for two weeks, but clarified that the cease-fire does not include Lebanon, Israeli media reported Wednesday.
Earlier, a Pakistani mediator had said the cease-fire would also apply to Lebanon.
“Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the U.S., Israel and countries in the region,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
“Israel also supports U.S. efforts to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile and terror threat to America, Israel, Iran’s Arab neighbors and the world,” the statement added.
"The two-weeks cease-fire does not include Lebanon," the statement concluded.
Israeli airstrike on Mashghara in the Western Bekaa
An Israeli airstrike has targeted Mashghara in the Western Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region.
Israeli strike on Saida kills at least 12 people according to local media
The Israeli strike targeting a cafe on the Saida corniche has killed at least 12 people, according to local media reports.
Israel also reportedly agrees to temporary ceasefire, says CNN
A White House official has stated that Israel has also agreed to a temporary cease-fire, according to CNN.
Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Israeli and U.S. attacks cease, according to its foreign minister.
Iran says it has agreed to hold talks with the U.S. for two weeks in Islamabad.
The cease-fire with Iran would also include Lebanon, reports Ynet, citing security sources.
Trump agrees to suspend bombing and attacks against Iran for period of 2 weeks
“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE!,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East,” Trump wrote.
Trump also stated that the United States had received a ten-point proposal from Iran and “believes it constitutes a viable basis for negotiation."
Saudi Arabia says it has intercepted five missiles
The Saudi Arabian Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that it had intercepted five missiles fired towards its territory, as Iran carries out air strikes against its Gulf neighbours in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks.
The ministry’s spokesperson reported the “interception and destruction of five ballistic missiles launched towards the eastern region” of the kingdom, where a large petrochemical complex near the city of Jubail was hit the previous day.
Iraq: Two dead after a projectile hits a house in Baghdad
Two people, including an eight-year-old child, died on Tuesday evening in Baghdad after a projectile struck their home in the Iraqi capital, causing a fire, a police source told AFP.
“Three other civilians, including a woman, were injured” in the Amiriya district, in the east of the Iraqi capital, according to the same source. A security official had earlier told AFP that “a rocket struck a house in the Amiriya district.”
War on Iran: Trump agrees to suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks, as per Pakistan's proposal
Trump says he agrees to suspend strikes and attacks against Iran for a period of two weeks.
Israeli strike targets cafe on Saida's coastal road, according to local media
Israel has carried out an airstrike on the Saida coastal road, according to Al-Jadeed.
UN special envoy plans to visit Iran as part of peace efforts
A personal envoy of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to visit Iran as part of his efforts to encourage an end to the war in Iran, but his travel plans will depend on security conditions and logistical considerations, a U.N. source told Reuters.
Jean Arnault, a seasoned U.N. diplomat whom Guterres appointed last month as special envoy for the war, travelled to the Middle East on Monday.
The U.N. has not released any details of his itinerary.
Mass exodus from Tehran to the north amid the threat of US attacks
The New York Times reports that residents of Tehran are fleeing the Iranian capital in one of the largest exoduses since the start of the war.
Israeli strike on building in Abbasieh (Sour)
Israel has carried out an airstrike on the targeted building in Abbasieh (Sour), according to several local media outlets.
Turkish foreign minister and his Pakistani counterpart discuss efforts to end the war
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone conversation on Tuesday with his Pakistani counterpart, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, as part of diplomatic efforts to end the war involving Iran, sources at the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.
The Amir-Kabir petrochemical plant in Mahshahr, in south-western Iran, has been attacked, according to the Mehr News Agency.
Two explosions heard in Beirut attributed to Israeli interceptor missiles
A Lebanese military source contacted by L’Orient-Le Jour stated that the two explosions heard earlier in Beirut “appear to have been caused by Israeli interceptor missiles,” without providing further details.
Iran threatens to step up its attacks on Israeli and US infrastructure
Iran’s Joint Chiefs of Staff have stated that they will step up their attacks on the military, security and economic infrastructure of Israel and the United States in the region, according to Reuters.
They added that they would also target U.S. infrastructure and that of its allies in order to deprive them of oil and gas from the region for several years.
Israel orders evacuation of building in Abbasieh (Sour)
The Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson has ordered the residents of a building in Abbasieh (Sour) to evacuate the premises, ahead of a potential imminent strike.
On the map attached to his message, the building is marked in red and is located between a state school and the “ABS Gym.”
Hezbollah claims its latest attacks against Israel
Hezbollah issued statements shortly after 8 pm announcing that:
- At around 3.30 pm it targeted the Yoav barracks in the occupied Golan Heights;
- At around 2 pm it destroyed an Israeli Merkava tank near the town of Bint Jbeil
- At around 3 pm it destroyed a second Merkava tank one at the same location.
Israeli army abducts resident of Ain Ibl, according to our correspondent
The Israeli army abducted a resident of the village of Ain Ibl (Bint Jbeil) at around 10.20 pm as he was on his way to his farm. This village is one of those that have not been evacuated despite Israeli warnings.
Latest developments in southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent:
- At around 8.20 pm, three Israeli missiles struck a car in the village of Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh).
- At around 8.40 pm, Israeli airstrikes targeted the villages of Mansouri (Sour), Zrarieh (Saida) and Khiam (Marjayoun).
- At around 9.05 pm, Israeli strikes targeted the villages of Siddiqine (Sour), Arab Salim (Nabatieh), and Houmin Fawqa (Nabatiyeh), followed by strikes on Aitate (Sour) and the town of Bint Jbeil, and finally Bourj Qalaway (Nabatieh), Rmadieh, and Baflay (Sour).
- An Israeli airstrike targeted members of the civil defense force affiliated with Hezbollah in the village of Cheaitieh, leaving several people injured.
- Israel shelled the area around the village of Jdeidet Marjayoun with artillery fire.
UAE: Air defense system responds to missile threat
The UAE says its air defense system has responded to a missile threat.
Iran: Macron calls a new defense council meeting on Wednesday
French President Emmanuel Macron has called a defense and national security council meeting on Wednesday to discuss the “situation in Iran and the Middle East,” the Élysée Palace announced on Tuesday evening.
This new defense council meeting, bringing together ministers and officials responsible for security matters, will take place at 8.30 am.
Five explosions heard in central Baghdad
Five explosions were heard in central Baghdad, according to AFP journalists.
Trump will soon respond to Pakistan’s proposal
U.S. President Donald Trump is aware of Pakistan’s proposal to secure a two-week extension to the deadline he has imposed on Iran, and a response will be issued shortly, Axios and The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Explosions heard in Doha, missile attacks on the UAE
Explosions were heard on Tuesday evening in the Qatari capital, Doha, according to AFP journalists, whilst the United Arab Emirates reported that its air defenses were responding to missile threats.
“The United Arab Emirates’ air defense is currently facing missile and drone attacks originating from Iran,” the UAE Ministry of Defense said in a statement published on X. Meanwhile, AFP journalists in Doha heard several explosions.
These explosions came just hours before the expiry of the ultimatum issued by Donald Trump to Iran, who had threatened to wipe out “an entire civilization” if Tehran did not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Maronite Patriarch to visit South Lebanon tomorrow
The Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai will visit southern Lebanon tomorrow. He is scheduled to visit Saint Elias Church in Kawkaba, then Our Lady of Salvation Church in Jdeidet Marjayoun, and finally Saint George’s Church in Qlaya.
Israel warns of possible escalation in rocket fire towards Israel 'in coming hours'
The Israeli army has warned of a possible escalation in rocket fire towards Israel "in the coming hours."
Iran is reportedly considering Pakistan’s proposal for a two-week ceasefire
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday that Tehran was considering Pakistan’s request for a two-week cease-fire, just hours before the expiry of U.S. President Donald Trump’s ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked Trump to extend his deadline for Iran by two weeks.
A White House official, David Leavitt, told Axios that Trump had been briefed on the proposal and that a response would be issued shortly.
At least two loud explosions heard in Beirut, cause and location still unknown
Two loud explosions were heard in Beirut, although the cause and location are yet to be confirmed.
Pakistan asks Trump for a two-week extension
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to extend the deadline given to Iran by two weeks, whilst asking the Iranians to open the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks as well, as a “gesture of goodwill,” according to Reuters. Sharif insists that the diplomatic process is “progressing at a steady pace.” The deadline granted by Trump to the Iranians expires in a few hours.
Iran says it is prepared for ‘all scenarios’ following Trump’s threats
Iran’s First Vice-President, Mohammad Reza Aref, stated on Tuesday evening that his country was prepared for "all scenarios" following Donald Trump’s threat to "wipe out Iranian civilization."
“The government has finalized in detail the necessary measures for all scenarios. No threat exceeds our level of preparedness and our intelligence capabilities,” Aref said in a message on X.
Israel briefly detains UN peacekeeper in Lebanon, UNIFIL says
UNIFIL stated on Tuesday evening that the Israeli army had “detained” a peacekeeper earlier that evening “after blocking a logistics convoy.” “Following direct and immediate contacts between the Head of Mission, the UNIFIL Force Commander and our liaison branch, the peacekeeper was released within an hour,” the mission said.
It reiterated that “any detention of a peacekeeper constitutes a flagrant violation of international law.” “Any interference with the work of peacekeepers also constitutes a violation of Resolution 1701,” it added.
Barrot hopes Trump will not carry out his threat against Iran
The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, has said he hopes U.S. President Donald Trump will not follow through on his latest threats against Iran.
“You cannot wipe out a civilization… This ultimatum is not the first that President Trump has issued since the start of the war,” Barrot told France 2.
“Obviously, I hope he does not carry out his threats, as this would drag the region, and indeed the world, into a new and particularly dangerous escalation,” he added.
Pope Leo declares that threats against Iran are ‘unacceptable’
Pope Leo has declared that threats against the Iranian people are "unacceptable," just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media: "An entire civilization will die tonight."
The Pope, who has established himself as an outspoken critic of the war against Iran, has called on citizens around the world to contact their political representatives and ask them to put an end to this regional conflict.
Bahrain’s main port will temporarily suspend operations from Wednesday
Operations at Bahrain’s main port will be “temporarily suspended from the start of the day” on Wednesday, its operator announced just hours before the expiry of an ultimatum issued by Donald Trump, who is threatening to destroy critical infrastructure in Iran.
APM Terminals Bahrain, the company that manages Khalifa Bin Salman Port, said in a statement sent to AFP that it was “constantly adapting to circumstances and had therefore temporarily suspended operations in recent weeks where necessary.”
South Lebanon: Navigation ban in Tyre following Israeli army evacuation order
The Minister of Public Works & Transport, Fayez Rasamny, contacted the Director of Land and Maritime Transport, Ahmad Tamer, and requested the implementation of immediate preventive measures, after the Israel ordered on Tuesday evening all ships to evacuate the coastline between the southern Lebanese border and the city of Sour in southern Lebanon, in anticipation of a military operation against Hezbollah, reports the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Consequently, the authorities have decided to prohibit fishermen from going out to sea or leaving the fishing port of Sour until further notice. Surveillance of maritime traffic in the affected area has also been stepped up to avoid any potential risk.
Kuwait: Interior Ministry recommends curfew from midnight to 6 am on Wednesday
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry is asking citizens and residents to stay at home from midnight to 6 am on Wednesday, “as a precautionary measure,” reports Reuters.
Peacekeepers killed in Lebanon in late March: Israeli fire and Hezbollah explosive device to blame, according to UN investigation
Fire from the Israeli army and an explosive device planted by Hezbollah were responsible for the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon during two successive incidents in late March, according to the preliminary findings of a U.N. investigation.
“We have asked the parties concerned to ensure that these cases are investigated and prosecuted by the national authorities, in order to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure they are held criminally responsible for the crimes committed against the peacekeepers,” said the Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, when presenting these findings to the press.
UN chief ‘deeply concerned’ by Trump’s latest comments on Iran
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed "deep concern" over Donald Trump’s recent comments on Iran, particularly those threatening to eradicate "an entire civilization," according to his spokesperson.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the statements we heard yesterday and again this morning ... suggesting that an entire people or an entire civilization could be made to suffer the consequences of political and military decisions,” said Stephane Dujarric.
“No military objective justifies the massive destruction of a society’s infrastructure or the deliberate infliction of such suffering on civilian populations,” he continued
The US advises its citizens to reconsider making Saudi pilgrimage
The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia advises Americans to reconsider taking part in the Hajj this year “due to the current security situation and intermittent travel disruptions.”
Here are the latest developments in South Lebanon after 6 pm, according to our correspondent:
*An Israeli air strike targeted the village of Tayr Debbe (Sour) and Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh).
*A series of Israeli strikes was reported in the village of Sawane (Marjayoun).
*A drone strike targeted Baraachit (Bint Jbeil) and Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh).
*At around 7.10 pm, a large explosion rocked the village of Aita al-Chaab (Bint Jbeil).
Iran–US ceasefire: Progress made, but a deal before Trump’s deadline remains unlikely
Progress has been made over the past 24 hours in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, but reaching a cease-fire agreement by the deadline set by President Trump at 8pm (Washington time) remains unlikely, a U.S. official, an Israeli official and two other sources familiar with the talks told Axios.
Iran: Former detainees Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris expected in France on Wednesday
The French nationals Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who left Iran on Tuesday — where they had been under house arrest — to travel to Azerbaijan under diplomatic escort, are expected in France on Wednesday, according to sources close to the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot.
“Cecile and Jacques are well. They are spending the night in Baku and should arrive tomorrow,” the source said. “What made their release possible is the current situation,” she added, referring to the Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iran since Feb. 28.
Trump is the ‘only one’ who knows ‘what he is going to do’ in Iran
Donald Trump is the "only one" who knows "what he is going to do" in Iran, his spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday, just hours before an ultimatum set by the U.S. president was due to expire.
“The Iranian regime has until 8 pm Washington time to seize the opportunity and reach an agreement with the United States. The President alone knows where we stand and what he is going to do,” she said.
Her comment was issued in response to two separate questions put to the White House, to which AFP had asked, firstly, whether Donald Trump intended to use nuclear weapons in Iran, and secondly, to comment on press reports that Tehran had cut off all lines of communication with the United States.
Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah says it has decided to release US journalist Shelly Kittleson
The pro-Iranian Iraqi group Kataeb Hezbollah has stated that it has decided to release the U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped at the end of March.
“We have decided to release the American detainee Shelly Kittleson on condition that she leaves the country immediately,” said Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official within the Iran-backed group, in a brief statement.
On the day of Shelly’s abduction, a U.S. official reported that Iraqi authorities had arrested “an individual with links to the Kataeb Hezbollah militia, an ally of Iran.”
Targeting civilian infrastructure is 'a war crime,' warns the UN
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Tuesday condemned the “inflammatory rhetoric” surrounding the war in the Middle East, pointing out that targeting civilian infrastructure is “a war crime.”
“Under international law, deliberately attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure is a war crime. Anyone responsible for international crimes must be brought to justice before a competent court,” Turk emphasized in a statement that did not specifically name the United States, Iran, or Israel.
'If Iran is plunged into darkness, so will the entire region,' Iranian source tells Reuters
If the United States attacks Iran’s power stations, the entire region will be plunged into total darkness, including Saudi Arabia, a senior Iranian source told Reuters. The same source stressed that there were no negotiations with the United States, which wants Iran to capitulate under pressure.
On the same day, a petrochemical complex in eastern Saudi Arabia was hit by Iranian attacks, as a source on the ground told AFP, a few hours after similar facilities in Iran were struck.
Israel strikes Sawaneh, Braasheet, and Kfar Roummane
*A series of airstrikes targeted the town of Sawaneh (Marjayoun).
*A drone strike targeted Braasheet (Bint Jbeil) and Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh).
Three people killed in rockets strike near Basra
Rockets fired from Kuwait have struck a house near Basra, in southern Iraq. Three people have been killed, according to security and hospital sources, reports Reuters.
China vetoes U.N. resolution on protecting Hormuz shipping
At a vote in the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday, China vetoed a Bahraini resolution encouraging states to coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran: Israeli chief of staff threatens to 'increase damage inflicted on the regime'
Iranian media: Diplomatic channels with U.S. remain open; Kharg Island infrastructure unharmed after strikes
Iran's state‑run Tehran Times reported that diplomatic and indirect channels of communication with the United States are not closed, suggesting that back‑channel engagement continues despite the ongoing conflict, Reuters reported.
Iran's semi‑official Mehr News Agency, citing local sources, said that the situation on Kharg Island is under control and that there has been no damage to critical oil infrastructure following recent U.S.‑Israeli strikes.
Mehr cited officials as saying that Iran's oil facilities on the strategic island, a key export hub, have not been disrupted.
Iranian sources say no disruption to oil facilities at Kharg Island
Iranian news cites sources as saying that there is no disruption to oil facilities at Kharg Island, according to Reuters.
Canada urges respect for international law in Iran conflict, PM Carney says
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said all parties involved in the conflict with Iran must respect international law and avoid targeting civilian infrastructure, Reuters said.
Carney added that Canada has made this point both publicly and privately, emphasizing the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure amid escalating tensions.
Hezbollah targets northern Israel, Israeli soldiers in Taybeh
Hezbollah said it launched an aerial attack with swarms of suicide drones on Israeli army positions at Metula and Yiftah barracks in northern Israel.
The party also said it targeted a gathering of Israeli army soldiers in Taybeh (Marjayoun) with a rocket salvo.
Salam: Lebanon ready to negotiate directly with Israel to end the war
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam assured on Tuesday that “the Lebanese government will continue its work with international partners to end the war”, whilst emphasising “Lebanon’s willingness to enter into direct negotiations” with Israel, according to comments reported by the National News Agency (ANI, official). Mr Salam made these remarks whilst receiving the ambassadors of Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada.
According to NNA, the four ambassadors reaffirmed “their countries’ support for the Lebanese government” and expressed their “concern over the Israeli incursion into southern Lebanon”.
Israeli drone strikes, artillery shelling, and airstrikes continue on villages in Sour, Bint Jbeil, and Western Bekaa
*An Israeli drone strike targeted Abbasieh (Sour) while an airstrike targeted Tayr Debba (also Sour).
*Israeli artillery fire targeted the towns of Shaqra and Majdal Selm (Bint Jbeil).
*An airstrike targeted the town of Mashghara in Western Bekaa.
Iran: Human chains form around power stations and bridges in response to US threats
People are forming human chains along bridges and around power stations across Iran in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to destroy infrastructure, according to videos and photographs published by state media and other local outlets.
Many demonstrators were waving the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran or holding posters of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader killed on the first day of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Iran informs Pakistan it will no longer take part in ceasefire talks, reports the NYT
Iran has informed Pakistan that it will no longer take part in cease-fire talks, according to three senior officials quoted by the New York Times.
White House denies on X that it is considering use of nuclear weapons on Iran
The White House emphatically denied on Tuesday that it is considering the use of nuclear weapons on Iran, in a post published on X via its @RapidResponse47 account.
“Nothing the Vice-President says here ‘suggests’ that, you bunch of clowns,” reads the message from the U.S. administration, which is responding to an account linked to former Democratic candidate Kamala Harris (@HQNewsNow).
The post to which the White House is responding draws on a speech by the U.S. Vice-President to comment: “JD Vance stands by his words following Trump’s latest message saying that ‘an entire civilization is going to die tonight’ and suggests that Trump might use nuclear weapons.”
War on Lebanon: Government to meet on Thursday
L’Orient-Le Jour has learnt that the Cabinet is due to meet on Thursday at 11 am at the Baabda Presidential Palace to discuss the ongoing war as well as other issues that have been pending for several weeks.
Two French nationals released from Iran after three and a half years in detention
France and Iran have reached an agreement that will secure the release of two French citizens held in Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron announced.
According to Macron, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris have been released and are on their way back to France after three and a half years of detention. "This is a relief for all of us, and of course for their families," he wrote in a post on X.
The president thanked Omani authorities for their mediation efforts, as well as French government services and citizens who had worked tirelessly to bring about their release.
Iran's official news agency, IRNA, reported that the deal includes the release of an Iranian national held in France in exchange for the two French citizens.
Iran and Hezbollah will continue firing at Israel, Israeli army says
The Israeli army said it expects Iran and Hezbollah to continue its attacks on Israel as the country observes the seventh night of Passover. Israeli army spokesperson Effie Deferin said: "The army is operating on all fronts, with soldiers and commanders working to ensure the security of Israel even during the holiday."
Deferin added that air force units struck central infrastructure in Iran on Monday night and eliminated several commanders in the Iranian regime.
In Lebanon, he said Division 98 — responsible for the northern border — has joined the fighting.
Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon surpasses 1,500 since March 2
In Lebanon, the death toll from Israeli attacks has reached 1,530 people since the re-escalation of the war on March 2, according to the latest Health Ministry figures published Tuesday.
This updated toll includes 102 women, 130 children, and 57 medical staff killed, as well as 4,812 people wounded. The Ministry had recorded a total of 1,497 deaths the previous day.
Erdogan vows to fight 'all forms of terrorism'
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the attack outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul and vowed to "fight all forms of terrorism."
According to official reports, one attacker was killed and two others wounded, along with two police officers, in the shooting outside the premises, which had been evacuated by Israeli diplomatic staff since late 2023.
Israel attacks railroads and bridges in Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel attacked railroads and bridges "used by Iran's Revolutionary Guards," in a video posted on X.
Netanyahu also said, "This is no longer the same Iran, and this is not the same Israel. We are changing the balance of power from end to end."
Shrapnel falls in open area after attack by Hezbollah on northern Israel; one lightly wounded
Shrapnel from Hezbollah fire toward northern Israel struck an open area in the settlement of Meron on Tuesday, lightly wounding a 36-year-old man and causing minor damage and a gas leak, Haaretz reported.
According to fire services, the shrapnel fell in an open area and caused minor damage and a gas leak, which was treated by an emergency squad operating in the area.
Paramedics reported that the 36-year-old man suffered a shrapnel wound to his lower limbs and was lightly wounded.
Israel kills 3 people in strikes on Breike and Mayfadoun in southern Lebanon
? The aftermath of an Israeli strike on Mayfadoun, Nabatieh. (Credit: Video sent to our correspondent)
Israel has killed three people in strikes on Breike and Mayfadoun in southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the region.
One of the victims, a member of the Amal Movement, was killed in Breike, while the other two were killed in Mayfadoun, in the district of Nabatieh.
An Israeli strike also targeted Braasheet, whilst Israeli artillery fire targeted Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil).
Southern Lebanon: Hezbollah hits Israeli targets in Taybeh, in the eastern sector
Hezbollah has claimed to have targeted Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in the area known as the "Taybeh project" (Marjayoun), along the eastern sector of the border, using rocket barrages and artillery shells. The party also stated that it had targeted a "Nimr"-type military vehicle in the same area using an explosive drone.
Despite Israeli soldiers having a foothold on Taybeh, intense battles between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops are continuing in the village.
In photos: Funeral service for Pierre Moawad and his wife takes place in Yahchouch
Credit: Tea Ziade/L'Orient-Le Jour
The funeral service for Pierre Moawad, a senior figure in the Lebanese Forces, and his wife Flavia, killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday evening, began in Yahchouch (Kesrouan) about 30 minutes ago.
Before the service, a procession of several hundred people accompanied the two coffins, draped in Lebanese Forces flags and carried aloft above the crowd, to the church.
JD Vance: ‘We have tools at our disposal that we have not, so far, decided to use’
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance stated that the United States had "tools" in its arsenal that it had chosen not to use against Iran so far, during a press conference in Budapest.
“They need to know that we have tools in our arsenal that, so far, we have not decided to use,” he said, adding that President Donald Trump “may decide to use them, and he will decide to use them if the Iranians do not change their behavior.”
Regarding the ultimatum issued by Donald Trump to the Iranians to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Vance said he believed there would be “a lot of negotiations between now and then, and I am optimistic that we will reach a positive outcome.”
Fighting around Bint Jbeil: Apostolic convoy heading for Dibil turns back
The apostolic convoy that was supposed to arrive in Dibil, a Christian-majority village in the Bint Jbeil district, had to turn back due to ongoing fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli army near Bint Jbeil, Vincent Gelot, director of the Oeuvre d’Orient in Lebanon, confirmed to L’Orient Today.
The convoy, which included Apostolic Nuncio Paolo Borgia, was headed to deliver aid. Dibil's residents refuse to leave despite it being cut off from the rest of the country.
The vehicles turned back about 10 kilometers from the village.
Hezbollah targets Israeli soldiers, vehicles in Taybeh
Hezbollah targeted gatherings of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in Taybeh (Marjayoun) with rocket barrages and artillery shells. The party also said it targeted a Nimr military vehicle in Taybeh with an exploding drone.
Separately, Israeli emergency services reported a direct hit on a structure in northern Israel's Kiryat Shmona. No casualties were reported, according to Haaretz.
Clashes between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces ongoing around Bint Jbeil
Hezbollah announced that since midday, its fighters have been engaged in intense clashes with the Israeli army at the eastern outskirts of the city of Bint Jbeil, using light and medium weapons, while simultaneously targeting invading soldiers with rockets and artillery shells.
“The fighters hit a Merkava tank with a direct missile strike, achieving a confirmed hit, and the clashes continue as of the issuance of this statement,” the party said.
The sounds of clashes can be heard in nearby areas. Israeli troops, which tried to advance into Bint Jbeil from the eastern side, fell into a Hezbollah ambush, L'Orient Today's southern Lebanon correspondent reported, citing a security source.
Hezbollah added that its fighters are targeting areas where Israeli forces are concentrated in the town of Maroun al-Ras, around Moussa Abbas complex and Tahrir Triangle in Bint Jbeil, as well as Talti Friz and Ghadmatha in Ainata (Bint Jbeil), with successive barrages of rockets and artillery shells.
Israeli forces are currently firing phosphorus shells toward the area between Kounin and Ainata (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent.
The party also said it targeted gatherings of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in Rshaf and Beit Lif (Bint Jbeil) with rocket barrages.
Israeli aistrikes, phosphorous, and artillery shelling continue in southern Lebanon
*Israeli artillery and phosphorus shelling targeted the outskirts of Arnoun and Yohmor al-Shaqif (both in Nabatieh)
*The Israeli army carried out an explosion near Taybeh (Marjayoun)
*Israeli airstrikes hit Siddiqine (Sour), Hanin (Bint Jbeil), Houmin Fawqa, Zawtar Sharqieh, and Braasheet (Nabatieh). The road to Ain Qana from Houmin al-Fawqa was also targeted.
*Two Israeli airstrikes targeted Aramta (Jezzine)
Hezbollah claims attacks on northern Israel and an interception of Israeli aircraft over Western Bekaa
Hezbollah said it targeted Nahariya in northern Israel with a barrage of rockets.
The party added that its fighters intercepted an Israeli warplane over Western Bekaa.
Trump says 'a whole civilization will die tonight' if Iran does not make a deal
U.S. President Donald Trump once again exhorted Iran to make a deal by his Tuesday deadline, saying a "whole civilization will die tonight" if an agreement is not reached to end the war.
"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
"We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World."
Power supply disrupted in parts of Karaj, Iran
Power supply was disrupted in parts of Karaj, a city west of Tehran, after projectiles from a strike hit transmission lines, Iran’s Nournews agency reported, as cited by Reuters.
The city’s rail network was also targeted, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.
Iran hits administrative building of Thuraya Telecommunications in Sharjah
Authorities in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates said the administrative building of Thuraya Telecommunications, a regional satellite communications operator, was struck by an Iranian missile, Reuters reported.
Two people were wounded, according to a preliminary toll.
Israeli-US attack shuts down major highway in northern Iran
A major highway in northwestern Iran linking Tabriz to Tehran was closed Tuesday after an Israeli-U.S. attack, local authorities said, according to AFP.
The road was hit about 90 kilometers from Tabriz, the official IRNA news agency reported, citing the crisis management department of East Azerbaijan province.
Earlier, Iranian authorities reported Israeli-U.S. an attack on the highway between Tabriz and Zanjan in the same region.
Four Israeli army soldiers detained in Shin Bet facilities on suspicion of spying for Iran
Four active-duty soldiers have been detained in facilities run by Israel's Shin Bet security agency on suspicion of spying for Iran, Haaretz reported.
A gag order bars publication of the suspects' identities and details of the investigation, which is being conducted jointly by the Shin Bet and the Israel Police's Coastal District major crimes unit.
In a separate case, the Shin Bet and police said a 21-year-old Jerusalem resident is also suspected of espionage on Iran's behalf. According to their statement, he was in contact during 2025 with an Iranian intelligence operative he met through a social media platform.
He is suspected of gathering information, documenting sites across Israel and purchasing photography equipment at the operative's direction. Authorities said the suspect knew he was acting on behalf of a hostile actor and was paid in digital currency. Charges are expected to be filed soon.
Strike on train kills two in Iran
A strike on a train killed two people traveling along an Iranian bridge near the holy city of Qom, Reuters reported.
Earlier today, Israel had threatened Iran's railway.
Exclusive: Countdown underway for Iran-US cease-fire
Diplomatic efforts aim to present a proposal for a comprehensive settlement of the Iran-U.S. war by Tuesday afternoon. If these efforts fail, mediators may request an extension of the deadline set by Trump.
More on everything L'Orient Today learned here.
Strikes target Iran's oil-hub Kharg Island, Mehr says
Iran reported new explosions on the island of Kharg in the Gulf, which is responsible for the vast majority of its oil exports.
The Mehr news agency reported on Tuesday that the island was under attack.
The U.S. military previously carried out airstrikes on the island in mid-March. Details of possible targets were initially not known.
Israeli army 'not planning on advancing deeper into Lebanon': Haaretz
The Israeli daily Haaretz reported that the Israeli army's Northern Command is preparing to boost its forces in southern Lebanon, but with no plans to advance deeper into the country, citing military sources.
Israel fears that if the U.S. continues its war against Iran, it would become difficult to end its war in Lebanon alone, with reserve forces already overstretched.
For now, Israeli forces have halted 10 kilometers south of the Litani, "to prevent anti-tank fire into northern Israel."
Updates on Israel's invasion of south Lebanon
Israeli threat on trains in Iran: Rail traffic suspended in Mashhad
Rail traffic in Mashhad, Iran’s second most populous city, has been suspended following an Israeli threat on the country’s rail network, according to the Fars news agency, cited by Reuters.
Turkey launches investigation into Israeli consulate shooting
Turkey’s justice minister said on Tuesday that an investigation would be carried out into a shooting near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, adding that three prosecutors had been assigned.
Sources told Reuters that no Israeli diplomats were currently stationed in Turkey, either at the consulate in Istanbul or the embassy in Ankara.
Israeli-U.S. strikes on northern Iranian province kill 18
Israeli-U.S. strikes on a northern Iranian province near Tehran have killed 18 people, including two children, Iranian media reported, citing a local official, according to AFP.
The strikes hit residential areas in Alborz province early in the morning, the Fars news agency and Mizan, the judiciary’s outlet, said, citing a deputy governor.
The U.S.-based NGO Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said that as of April 6, Israeli-U.S. strikes have killed at least 3,597 people, including 1,665 civilians — among them at least 248 children.
Israeli army’s 98th Division joins fighting in south Lebanon
The Israeli army’s 98th Division, a paratrooper unit, joined Israel's ground invasion in south Lebanon, army Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said.
In a post on X, Adraee said the division deployed “along the line to prevent anti-tank missile fire” as part of Israel’s invasion of south Lebanon. He added that the forces operated over the past week from positions already seized by the Israeli army “to sweep the area.”
The 98th Division had previously taken part in the Israeli ground invasion in autumn 2024. Initially attached to Israel’s Central Command, it is considered a highly mobile tactical division comprising six brigades: three paratrooper brigades, one commando brigade, one artillery brigade, and one logistics brigade.
It was not immediately clear where along the border the division had been deployed. Five Israeli divisions are now operating in south Lebanon: the 146th and 162nd in the western sector, and the 91st and 36th in the eastern sector, in addition to the 98th.
Hezbollah claims new attacks on northern Israel and Israeli positions in south Lebanon
Hezbollah said in a series of statements issued since the morning that it launched rocket attacks on northern Israel, in Shlomi, Even Menachem, Netua, Shomera, Karmiel, and Metula.
According to Haaretz, two people were slightly wounded in a Hezbollah rocket attack on Nahariya.
The group also said it fired surface-to-air missiles at two Israeli helicopters over Bayyada, south of Sour, which has been under Israeli control since last week.
It also claimed attacks on Merkava tanks in Taybeh, Israeli soldiers in Markaba, and Israeli troops and vehicles near the Fatima Gate along the Blue Line near Kfar Kila (Marjayoun).
South Lebanon: Israeli army says it destroyed 7 bridges over the Litani
The Israeli army said in a statement that it had struck seven bridges over the Litani River in recent weeks, accusing Hezbollah of using them to transfer weapons southward.
The statement came after two new Israeli strikes on Sunday targeting an area near the Qasmieh bridge, along the highway leading to Burj Rahal, north of Sour. The Qasmieh bridge had already been destroyed in an earlier strike.
On Saturday, another strike destroyed a bridge in Sohmor, in the Bekaa.
Pezeshkian says 'more than 14 million Iranians' ready to ‘sacrifice’ for Iran
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says, “More than 14 million brave Iranians have so far declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives to defend Iran.”
“I have also sacrificed my life for Iran, I am, and I will continue to do so,” he wrote on X.
Israeli-U.S. strikes have killed at least 2,076 people in Iran and wounded 26,500 since Feb. 28.
U.S.-Israeli strikes target Iran's Khomarrabad Airport, Mehr reports
Israel and the U.S. bombed an international airport in Iran's western city of Khorramabad, the country's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Heavy bombings were reported in the Iranian capital overnight.
Gunfire near Israeli consulate in Istanbul kills 3
Three people were killed, and two police officers were injured in a gunfire incident near the building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, media reports said, according to Reuters.
Reuters video showed a police officer pulling out a gun and taking cover as gunshots resounded. One person was seen covered in blood.
A strong armed police presence is always maintained in the area near the Israeli consulate. Television footage showed armed police patrolling in the area after the shooting.
Israeli airstrikes target villages in Bint Jbeil and Sour
*Israeli airstrikes targeted Shaqra and Safad al-Battikh (both in Bint Jbeil).
*Israeli airstrikes hit Bazourieh, Maarakeh, Debaal, and Jannata (all in Sour).
Israeli attacks on south Lebanon
*An Israeli airstrike hit Majdal Zoun, and another targeted a building in Jwayya (both in Sour).
*Among the three killed by the Israeli strike on Maarakeh (Sour) is Hanaa Saad, who had been preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia for hajj.
*Israeli artillery shelling targeted Shaqra and Braasheet (Bint Jbeil).
*Israeli phosphorus artillery shelling targeted the outskirts of Ainata, near Kounin (Bint Jbeil)
*A citizen, Mohammad Nimer, was injured by gunfire coming from the Israeli side toward the outskirts of the town of Mari (Hasbaya)
*An Israeli strike on Sohmor (Western Bekaa) killed one person earlier this morning.
Israeli strike kills Amal Movement member
The Amal Movement announced the death of its member, Ali Hussein Badran, killed by an Israeli strike on Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh).
According to our correspondent in southern Lebanon, Badran served as an officer in the Parliament Police. An Israeli strike targeted his car on the road to Deir Zahrani.
South Lebanon: Israeli army intensifies deadly strikes, pounds Bint Jbeil district
Israeli strikes killed three people in an overnight strike in Tayr Debba (Sour), and two others in Zibdin and Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh), according to our correspondent in south Lebanon.
Israeli airstrikes also hit across the Bint Jbeil district, targeting Bint Jbeil, Kfar Dounin, Tibnin, Sultanieh, Beit Yahoun, Shaqra, Safad al-Batikh, Haddatha, and twice Burj Qalaway.
Israeli artillery also shelled the area between Yaroun and Aitaroun in the same district.
Tribute in Burj Hammoud to LF official killed Sunday, ahead of funeral
About 100 Lebanese Forces supporters gathered in Burj Hammoud, north of Beirut, to pay their respects to Pierre Moawad.
Relatives and colleagues gathered in front of a party center in Burj Hammoud, where he worked as a municipal police officer, under heavy rain, according to our reporter on the ground.
The procession arrived in the area with rice thrown and fireworks, before relatives carried the coffins through the streets, while chants of “Hezbollah are terrorists” were heard.
Johnny Sakr, one of Moawad’s friends, “for 20 years,” expressed his “anger” to L’Orient Today.
“This war is not ours; it was launched because of Iran,” he said, blaming Hezbollah. “Since his death, we have not slept.”
He said he would “wait for the results of the investigation” into whether a Hezbollah member was present in the apartment targeted by several missiles, but added that “the truth is already known.”
Earlier in the morning, the couple’s coffins were also carried in a procession through Ain Saade, where they were killed.
Efforts to end Iran-US war at 'critical, sensitive stage' says Tehran's ambassador to Pakistan
Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, which is mediating between Iran and the United States, said on Tuesday that efforts to end the war were approaching a "critical" stage.
"Positive and productive endeavors in Good Will and Good Office to stop the war are approaching a critical, sensitive stage," Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam wrote on X, without giving details.
The message came hours before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping or face attacks on key infrastructure.
Hezbollah says it targeted Israeli soldiers in Khiam and claims several attacks on northern Israel
Hezbollah said it carried out a rocket attack targeting Israeli soldiers in Khiam (Marjayoun) at 7 a.m.
The party also claimed five attacks overnight against targets in northern Israel — two in Metula, one in Kfar Yuval, and two in Kiryat Shmona.
Funeral of LF official Pierre Moawad, killed in Israeli strike Sunday, scheduled for Tuesday
The funeral of Pierre Moawad, head of the Lebanese Forces (LF) office in Yahsoush (Kesrouan), and his wife, Flavia Mourad, will take place this afternoon.
The funeral procession will first pass through Ain Saade (Metn), where the couple was killed in an Israeli strike on Easter Sunday, and Burj Hammoud, in northern Beirut.
Gatherings and processions are planned in several locations ahead of the funeral, scheduled for 4 p.m. in Yahsoush.
Israeli strikes on Sriri and Qatrani injure 14
Israeli strikes on Sriri and Qatrani (Jezzine) injured 14 civilians, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon.
Monday's recap
On Monday, Israeli forces carried out strikes on 40 localities in south Lebanon, according to our correspondent.
Hezbollah, for its part, claimed 52 attacks against Israeli positions in south Lebanon and towns in northern Israel.
Israeli attacks on south Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes hit
In the Jezzine district: Sriri, Qatrani
In the Marjayoun district: Debbine
In the Hasbaya district: Rashaya al-Foukhar
In the Nabatieh district: Nabatieh Fawqa, Ain Qana, and Arab Salim
In the Bint Jbeil district: Sultanieh
In the Sour district: Jabal al-Botom, Jwayya, Ain Baal, and Batoulieh
Israeli army kills two in Maarakeh, continues overnight strikes on south Lebanon
Israeli forces killed two people in Maarakeh (Sour district) in two attacks overnight, according to our correspondent.
At 11 p.m., the first airstrike destroyed several homes, causing a fire. A preliminary toll reported three seriously wounded people pulled from the rubble. The second Israeli strike at 6 a.m. targeted several homes, causing extensive damage.
Tehran synagogue “completely destroyed” in strikes, local media say
A synagogue in Tehran was “destroyed” by U.S.-Israeli strikes early Tuesday, Mehr news agency and Shargh newspaper reported.
“According to preliminary information, the Rafi-Nia synagogue (…) was completely destroyed,” Shargh wrote, according to AFP.
Bridge connecting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain temporarily closed
The major traffic artery connecting Saudi Arabia and the island nation of Bahrain was temporarily closed as a precaution, authorities said Tuesday, following the issuance of security alerts in the area.
"The movement of vehicles across King Fahd Bridge has been suspended as a precautionary measure," said the General Authority for King Fahd Causeway in a post online.
The King Fahd Causeway is a 25-kilometer (16-mile) series of bridges connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Israeli army threatens Iran's railway
The Israeli army issued an unprecedented threat warning Iranians not to use trains until Tuesday evening “for their safety.”
"For the sake of your security, we kindly request that from this moment until 21:00 Iran time, you refrain from using and travelling by train throughout Iran," it posted on its Persian-language account on X. "Your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life."
Good morning, thank you for joining us for today's live coverage of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and the Israeli war in Lebanon.
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