Iran: Vance speaks of ‘good progress’ in talks
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance has stated that "good progress" is being made in talks with Iran, whilst reiterating that Washington has its ‘finger on the trigger."
He made these remarks during a press conference at the White House, shortly after Donald Trump claimed that on Monday he had been an hour away from ordering a massive attack on Iran.
“Good progress is being made, but we will continue to work and, in the end, either we will have a deal or we won’t,” said JD Vance, who is part of the team of negotiators appointed by Donald Trump to try to end the conflict with Iran.
“We’re in a fairly good position, but there is a Plan B, and Plan B is to relaunch the military operation,” said the vice-president, whose reluctance regarding this war is well known. “We have our finger on the trigger. We don’t want to go down that path, but the president is determined to do so and is in a position to do so if necessary,” he said.
Hezbollah claimsattack on Israeli bulldozer near Khiam detention center
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a drone attack on an Israeli army D9 military bulldozer near the Khiam detention center (Marjyoun), stating that it had hit its target.
Hezbollah claims multiple attacks on Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon
Hezbollah said it carried out several attacks against Israeli army positions and troops in southern Lebanon. According to the group, it targeted Israeli soldiers and military vehicles between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. in Khallet Raj and Deir Seryan using artillery shells, rocket barrages, and repeated drone strikes.
The group also reported striking an Israeli military bulldozer near Khiam prison at 5:30 p.m. with an attack drone. It added that a squadron of drones targeted Israeli troops and vehicles near the port of Naqoura at 6:25 p.m., followed by another drone strike at 6:30 p.m. on military vehicles in the Iskandarouneh area (Sour).
Hezbollah further said it shelled Israeli troop gatherings on Randa hill in Naqoura at 8 p.m. using artillery. It also claimed a 7:30 p.m. strike on a “Drone Dome” anti-drone system in Rshaf using an attack drone, followed by another strike at 7:40 p.m. targeting Israeli soldiers in the same area, saying both attacks hit their targets.
Latest developments in southern Lebanon
According to our correspondent in southern Lebanon, Israel carried out several strikes and operations across southern Lebanon. An airstrike targeted Zrarieh (Saida), though the missile did not explode, while a drone strike hit Tibnin (Bint Jbeil). A series of strikes also targeted areas around Nabatieh, including Kfar Joz and Kfour. Israeli forces also carried out demolition operations between Blida and Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun).
Israeli soldier killed in southern Lebanon
An Israeli soldier has been killed in southern Lebanon, the Israeli army announced, bringing the total number of Israeli military fatalities to 21 since the start of Israel's war on Lebanon in early March.
The soldier was identified as reserve commander Itamar Sapir, 27, who “fell in combat in southern Lebanon,” the army said without providing further details. In total, 22 Israelis — 21 soldiers and one civilian contractor — have been killed in Lebanon since the re-escalation of the war.
Israeli strike on house in Deir Qanoun al-nahr kills 7 seven people, including 4 children
The Israeli strike on a house in Deir Qanoun al-Nahr killed seven people, including two women and four children. The chairman of the municipal council, Ali Qoussair, told our correspondent in southern Lebanon that the targeted house was home to a large family. He added that rescue teams have so far recovered seven bodies from the rubble, whilst the search continues for three people still trapped.
Meanwhile, further Israeli strikes targeted Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh) and Froun (Bint Jbeil).
UAE accuses drones from Iraq of targeting its Barakah nuclear power plant
The United Arab Emirates has stated that the drones which targeted its nuclear power plant on Sunday originated from Iraq, where Iran-backed groups have been carrying out attacks against the Gulf region since the start of the war in the Middle East.
“As part of the ongoing investigation into the blatant attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant on May 17, 2026, technical tracking and surveillance have confirmed that the three drones ... all originated from Iraqi territory,” the UAE Ministry of Defense stated in a press release.
The authorities also intercepted six drones, also originating from Iraq, which “attempted to target civilian and vital areas” over the past 48 hours, it added. No one had claimed responsibility for the attack on the plant, and the UAE had not identified those responsible.
On Sunday, it caused a fire after striking an electrical generator near the Barakah power station, without causing any casualties or raising radiation levels.
NATO has no plan for the Strait of Hormuz, but is considering one
NATO has not drawn up a plan regarding its potential contribution to an operation aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz, which is being blocked by Iran, but it is considering one, its Supreme Commander, U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, has confirmed.
“Am I thinking about it? Absolutely. But there is no planning yet until the political decision has been made,” he told reporters when asked about a possible NATO plan to ensure the security of the strait.
“Each nation is considering its response, and many, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, are sending ships to the region,” said Grynkewich. He added that “we all agree that it is in our interest to guarantee freedom of navigation in international waters.”
But the decision to involve NATO in such an operation is a “political decision,” which has not yet been taken, Grynkewich assured. “The political impetus comes first, then formal planning follows,” he explained.
The Lebanese Health Ministry condemns Israel’s destruction of the Maashouk primary healthcare centre
The Health Ministry has condemned Israel's full-blown destruction of the Maashouk primary healthcare center in the district of Sour, which took place on Monday 18 May.
In a statement, the Ministry stated that this center forms part of the primary healthcare network deployed across Lebanon and overseen by the Ministry, with the aim of providing healthcare services to the population. It noted that this attack brings the total number of health centers targeted since the start of the offensive to 31.
The Ministry added that these repeated attacks constitute a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law,” which guarantees the protection of medical personnel, medical infrastructure and health centers. It emphasized that the Israeli army is continuing its attacks on the medical sector, its teams and its facilities, in violation of international standards and conventions.
At 1 am, the Israeli army issued an evacuation order for an area of Maashouk, east of the city of Sour. A team from the Burj al-Shemali Civil Defense went to the scene to alert residents and carry out the evacuations.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for several attacks
Hezbollah has claimed several operations. The group said that it fired an attack drone at an Israeli military vehicle at the junction of Qouzah (Bint Jbeil) at 4:30 p.m.
It also said that it fired another attack drone at Israeli soldiers in the village of Ramiyah (Bint Jbeil) at 4:45 pm. Hezbollah claimed that it achieved "confirmed hits" in both attacks. Furthermore, the group stated that it fired artillery shells at Israeli soldiers in the village of Beit Lif (Bint Jbeil) at 11:30 a.m.
The group also just claimed an attack that took place yesterday at 2 p.m: According to the statement, it fired a squadron of attack drones at Israeli soldiers in the village of Odaisseh (Marjayoun).
Death toll from Israeli strike on Deir Qanoun al-Nahr rises to 4
The number of people killed in the Israeli airstrike that targeted a house in the village of Deir Qanoun al-Nahr (Sour) has risen to four, while two people were injured.
Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes have carried out a new strike on the village of Hanouiyeh (Sour).
New Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, reports our correspondent
Israel has targeted the villages of Toura (Sour) and Tibnin (Bint Jbeil), and broke the sound barrier for the second time over the town of Saida, reports our correspondent in the region.
Lebanon-Israel | Anatomy of a conflict Episode II: In the days of the Lebanon-Israel armistice
#Lebanon - #Israel | Episode II: In the days of the Lebanon-Israel armistice Secret relations, wars, invasions and diplomatic agreements. Relations between the two neighboring countries have swung for more than a century between mistrust, secret contacts, and violent confrontations.
HayekCaroline dives into the armistice treaty between Lebanon and Israel. Read the full 2nd episode here.
Negotiations with Israel, normalization, arms monopoly: Polls reveal a fragmented Lebanon
In a rare glimpse into Lebanese public opinion, al-Jadeed local channel and the statistics firm Information International released on Monday the results of a poll conducted gauging views across the country's various communities on the ongoing war.
The survey was carried out with a sample of 2,000 people, representative of different Lebanese regions and religious groups. The survey addressed issues such as "peace" and "normalization" with Israel, as well as Hezbollah's disarmament and its responsibility in the outbreak of the war.
Read the full focus piece here: Negotiations with Israel, normalization, arms monopoly: Polls reveal a fragmented Lebanon
Western Bekaa: Israeli strikes on Lebbaya following evacuation order
Israeli strike on Lebbaya, May 19, 2026. (Photo provided by our correspondent in the Bekka, Sarah Abdallah)
In the Western Bekaa, three Israeli airstrikes targeted the village of Lebbaya — two carried out by a fighter jet and one by a drone — according to our correspondent in the region. The village was among those listed in the evacuation order issued by the Israeli army around six hours earlier.
Latest Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon kill at least 3 people
Israel targeted a house in the village of Deir Qanoun al-Nahr (Sour) near the municipality building, killing at least two people. Search efforts are currently ongoing under the rubble. Moreover, the vicinity of the Beaufort Castle in Arnoun (Nabatieh) has been subjected to intense Israeli artillery shelling.
Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Saida and Iqlim al-Kharroub, and Chouf, causing the windows and doors of homes to rattle.
Our correspondent in the South also reported that the Israeli airstrike that targeted the city of Nabatieh earlier killed at least one person. Search efforts are now ongoing for another person under the rubble. According to medics, a father and his son were living in the targeted house in the city's Serail neighborhood.
In the Western Bekaa, three Israeli airstrikes targeted the village of Lebbaya — two carried out by a fighter jet and one by a drone — according to our correspondent in the region. The village was among those listed in the evacuation order issued by the Israeli army around six hours earlier.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it fired a squadron of attack drones at a newly established Israeli position in the village of Maroun al-Rass (Bint Jbeil) at 4 p.m.
Israel strikes Nabatieh and Sour in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah attacks northern Israel
An Israeli drone strike targeted the village of al-Majadel (Sour) and Israeli airstrikes targeted the vicinity of the Italian hospital in the city of Sour, as well as the entrance of the Saray neighborhood in the center of the city of Nabatieh.
According to our correspondent, around the same time, an air defense missile was launched toward an Israeli drone that was flying over Nabatieh.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah said that it fired attack drones at Irom Dome platforms at the site of Jal al-Alam and the village of Margaliott in northern Israel at 1:25 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. respectively, noting that it destroyed them.
The group also said that it fired an attack drone at an Israeli military vehicle in the village of Miskav Am in northern Israel at 2 p.m., adding that it achieved a "confirmed hit."
New US sanctions on Iran, accoridng to Treasury Department
The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran, a posting on the U.S. Treasury Department's website showed on Tuesday
UAE Defense Ministry says drone on nuclear power plant yesterday launched from Iraq
The United Arab Emirates' Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that a drone that caused a fire at its nuclear power plant on Sunday had been launched from Iraq.
Emirati officials have said the UAE has the full right to respond, Reuters reports.
Israeli airstrike targets the city of Nabatieh
(Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient Today)
Israeli artillery fire targets group of farm workers in Mansouri this morning, our correspondent reports
Israeli artillery fire targeted a group of farm workers this morning in the Mansouri plain, south of Sour, whilst they were harvesting watermelons in the area.
The area was also targeted by phosphorus bombs, whilst several shells landed near the farmers, forcing them to flee the fields to safer areas.
Official Lebanese source to Al Jazeera: Draft declaration of intent with Israel is under consideration, but not yet finalized
An official Lebanese source told Al Jazeera that the “draft declaration of intent with Israel, under U.S. sponsorship, is currently under consideration, but has not yet been finalized.”
L’Orient-Le Jour had previously reported that the framework for the current direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel takes the form of a "declaration of intent" between the two countries, comprising ten points.
The official source interviewed by Al Jazeera indicated that Lebanon has refused to use the term “disarmament” in this declaration of intent. She added that the security aspect arising from the negotiations with Israel, scheduled to begin on May 29, is “purely technical.”
The source also emphasized that “no brigade will be formed within the Lebanese Army specifically tasked with limiting weapons.” However, they clarified that “a Lebanese-U.S. verification committee is being considered to monitor the army’s implementation of its commitments.”
According to this source, “Washington is determined to achieve a breakthrough on the Lebanese issue, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want a cease-fire.”
“Continued violations of the cease-fire will lead either to negotiations not taking place at all, or to participation being limited solely to the issue of the cease-fire,” the source added, noting that “further escalation in southern Lebanon will pose a risk to the negotiations."
Read the full exclusive: 🔗 L’Orient-Le Jour reveals the draft declaration of intent between Israel and Lebanon
Health Ministry: Israel kills 22 people in past 24 hours in Lebanon
Israel has killed 22 people over the past 24 hours in Lebanon, according to latest figures released by the Health Ministry.
The new death toll stands at 3,042 people killed and 9,301 injured since March 2.
Israeli airstrike targets house in Maarakeh (Sour)
Israel continues its bombing campaign on the south, targeting in particular Toura and Maarakeh (Sour), where a house housing a family was hit, leaving five people injured, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Another strike targeted a car parked outside a house in Hanouiyeh (Sour), damaging the neighboring house but causing no casualties. Firefighters from the al-Rissala Islamic Mission attended the scene to bring the fire under control.
Further strikes also targeted Kfar Sir (Nabatieh) and Debbine Square (Marjayoun).
Syria: Soldier killed in Damascus blast, according to the Defense Ministry
The Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that a soldier had been killed in a car bomb explosion near a building affiliated with the ministry in the Bab Sharqi area, close to Damascus’s Old City.
An army unit was working to dismantle “an explosive device near a building affiliated” with the Defense Ministry in Bab Sharqi when a “car bomb exploded in the same area,” killing one soldier and injuring several others to varying degrees, the ministry said in a statement quoted by AFP.
The 3 men Israel abducted in Rashaya al-Foukhar are farmers
The three people abducted by the Israeli army in the Doher area, on the outskirts of Rashaya al-Foukhar (Hasbaya), are farmers from Halta. They are Ali Atiyeh, Shawqi Atiyeh, and Ahmad Atiyeh.
According to residents of Halta, the three men were laborers clearing agricultural land in the Rashaya area when they were ambushed by Israeli soldiers present at the scene, who then abducted them, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Unprecedented Israeli evacuation order for Nabatieh Tahta: Town’s emergency services state that 36 members remain on standby
Emergency services in Nabatieh have stated that 36 rescue workers remain on standby to respond to emergency calls, having themselves announced the "suspension" of their activities following the unprecedented Israeli evacuation order covering the whole of Nabatieh Tahta.
“The suspension of rescue operations is limited solely to humanitarian activities and the distribution of aid, and in no way affects ambulance crews or rescue and emergency services,” the emergency services stated in a new press release.
Damascus car explosion: 1 person killed
At least one person was killed in a car explosion in Damascus, according to a Civil Defense source speaking to AFP
Qatar says Iran–US diplomatic efforts need 'more time'
Qatar said on Tuesday that negotiations between the United States and Iran need “more time” to reach a deal, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had cancelled a new strike on the Islamic Republic.
“We support the diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan … to bring the parties closer and find a solution, and we believe they require more time,” Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said at a press conference in Doha, according to AFP.
Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he had called off a new offensive at the request of leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who he said believe an agreement is possible.
Asked about the statement, the Qatari official said he was not able at this stage to provide any indication on what might happen in the negotiations. He added that Doha wants to protect regional populations, who would be the main victims in the event of escalation.
Explosion heard in Damascus, state media and SOHR say
An explosion was heard in Damascus, according to state media cited by Reuters and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which reported the information on X.
“A loud explosion was heard moments ago in the capital Damascus, in front of the gate of the armament administration, accompanied by gunfire. Preliminary information indicates injuries,” the organization said.
Motorcycle hit in Israeli drone strike near Nabatieh; 4 people abducted
According to accounts from residents collected by our correspondent in southern Lebanon, a drone targeted a motorcycle on the road linking Kfar Dajjal to Nabatieh. The rider was killed, according to initial information from the ground.
Another drone strike targeted Hanouiyeh, in the Sour district.
Separately, a group of Israeli soldiers abducted four people near the localities of Rashaya al-Foukhar and Kfar Hammam.
Explosive-laden drone injures 2 in northern Israel
The Israeli army said on X that a drone launched from Lebanon by Hezbollah exploded in northern Israel near the border.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that two people were injured.
Unprecedented Israeli evacuation order for Nabatieh Tahta: rescue teams urge residents to leave and suspend operations
Rescue teams in Nabatieh issued a statement following the unprecedented Israeli evacuation order for Nabatiyeh Tahta, a neighborhood of the southern city, urging residents to leave their homes.
They said they were suspending rescue operations due to “security requirements imposed by the current circumstances,” and so that continued assistance in these areas “does not become a factor encouraging residents to remain despite the serious dangers they face.”
Explosions of unknown origin reported on Qeshm Island, Iranian agency says
Explosions of unknown origin were heard on Qeshm Island, according to Iran’s Mehr news agency, as cited by Reuters.
The island is the largest in the Gulf, stretching about 100 kilometers in the Strait of Hormuz. It is normally a popular tourist destination for Iranians, known for its UNESCO-listed geological heritage and beaches. Its port is also one of the main entry points for goods coming from the United Arab Emirates.
Iran warns it will 'open new fronts' in case of renewed US attack
The Iranian army warned on Tuesday that it would “open new fronts” against the United States if it resumes attacks, after President Donald Trump said he had suspended a planned new offensive in the hope of reaching an agreement.
“If the enemy is foolish enough to fall into the Zionist trap and launch a new aggression against our dear Iran, we will open new fronts against it, with new equipment and new methods,” Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said, according to the Iranian news agency ISNA.
Hezbollah claims drone attacks in Israel; Israeli army says it intercepted a drone
Hezbollah said it carried out two new suicide drone attacks, one targeting a maritime site in Ras Naqoura at 10:55 a.m., and another targeting a gathering of vehicles and Israeli soldiers at 10:00 a.m. west of the village of Arab al-Aramshe in northern Israel.
Israel, for its part, said it intercepted a drone launched from Lebanon. Air raid sirens had sounded in several areas of northern Israel over the past half-hour, the army said earlier on X.
Salam says US commitment to Lebanon truce is 'stronger than before'
In an interview with Lebanese media outlet Asas, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said there is "greater American commitment than before" to efforts aimed at consolidating the cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel.
Asked about the possibility of reciprocal security measures, including an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese Army in evacuated areas, Salam said that "this idea is on the table but has not yet been finalized."
Israeli issues evacuation order for 11 villages in south Lebanon and 1 in West Bekaa
The Israeli army issued an evacuation order for eleven villages in southern Lebanon and one in West Bekaa.
The listed localities are Nabatiyeh Tahta, Habboush, Houmin Fawqa, Bazourieh, Tayr Debba, Burj al-Shemali, Shehabieh, Ain Qana, Kfar Houneh, Jibsheet, and Lebbaya.
“For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move at least 1,000 meters away toward open areas,” the Arabic-language spokesperson of the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, said in a message.
Gaza: 3 more killed in the past 24 hours, Health Ministry says
The Health Ministry in Gaza Strip said that three more people have been killed as reported by hospitals across the territory over the past 24 hours.
According to the ministry, the toll since the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas agreed in October has reached 880 dead, 2,605 injured, and 776 bodies recovered.
The total death toll since the start of the war now stands at 72,772, with 172,707 injured, the ministry added.
South Lebanon: Hezbollah claims first attack of the day as Israel reports interception of 'suspected aerial target'
Hezbollah said it carried out its first attack of the day, claiming it targeted an Israeli army communications vehicle at 8 a.m. in the area of Taybeh using a kamikaze drone, which it said caught fire, according to a statement from the group.
Shortly before 8 a.m., the Israeli army said it had launched an interceptor toward a “suspected aerial target identified in the area where its forces are operating in southern Lebanon.” It was not immediately clear whether the two statements referred to the same incident.
Separately, Hezbollah also said it targeted Israeli soldiers in Dibil (Bint Jbeil) the previous day at 4 p.m.
Israeli strikes in south Lebanon: 4 killed, including 2 women, in Kfar Sir; At least 1 killed in Froun
A series of Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon hit a home in Kfar Sir, killing four members of the same family, including two women, and injuring two others, according to our correspondent in the region.
At least one other person was killed in Froun, our correspondent added.
Separately, an Israeli drone dropped two bombs near farmers working in a field in Qleileh, south of Sour, without causing any injuries, according to our correspondent.
116 health workers killed in Lebanon since March 2, Health Minister says
Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine said that Israeli forces have killed 116 health workers in Lebanon since March 2, when Hezbollah entered the regional conflict alongside Iran.
He also said 263 others have been injured, in addition to widespread destruction or damage to ambulances, health centers and hospitals.
Nasreddine shared these figures with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, thanking the organization for its “constant support” to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health and its assistance through various programs and projects that have helped the health system withstand successive crises since 2019, according to a ministry statement.
Series of Israeli strikes in south Lebanon
The vehicle targeted in a drone strike on Harouf earlier this morning. (Credit: Photo provided by our correspondent Mountasser Abdallah)
Israeli air forces carried out strikes on Shehabieh, the Rihan heights, Mlikh, Froun and Kfar Sir, according to our correspondent.
In parallel, Israeli artillery fire targeted Debbine and Majdal Selm.
The strikes came after a drone strike on Harouf which killed Nasser Nasr, a municipal official. He was reportedly distributing bread to residents who had remained in the village despite ongoing bombardments when his van was struck, according to the latest information from our correspondent.
Iran reportedly redeployed ballistic missile launchers during cease-fire, NYT says
Iran has reportedly redeployed its ballistic missile launchers since the cease-fire with the United States came into effect on April 8, in preparation for a possible resumption of hostilities, according to the New York Times, citing a U.S. military official.
Tehran has spent more than a month clearing dozens of damaged missile sites, relocating mobile launchers, and adapting its tactics despite significant losses in anticipation of renewed strikes, the report said.
According to the U.S. official, American strikes between Feb.28 and April 8 targeting Iran’s ballistic capabilities focused on access routes to missile sites, but did not destroy the launchers themselves, which are reportedly stored in deep underground facilities to protect them from attacks.
End of war in Lebanon reportedly part of Iran’s conditions for agreement with Washington
Iran’s deputy foreign minister said that lifting sanctions, releasing frozen funds, and ending blockades were included in a recent Iranian proposal to the United States, which was rejected by Washington, according to IRNA, as cited by Reuters.
He added that ending conflicts on all fronts, “including in Lebanon,” as well as the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran, were also part of the proposal.
South Lebanon: Monday night marked by heavy strikes as building destroyed east of Sour after evacuation order overnight
Israeli forces carried out a series of intense strikes in southern Lebanon on Monday evening, according to our correspondent.
Two people, Ali Fakih and Fadi Sleiman, were killed in a strike on a building in Qana (Sour district), while another man, Ali Jamal Fahs, was killed in a strike on a house in Jibsheet.
Israeli forces also struck Zawtar Gharbieh, homes in Harouf, Zibqine, Kafra and Kfar Dounin, and carried out artillery shelling on Haris and Sultanieh.
At 1 a.m., the Israeli army issued an evacuation order for an area in Maashouk, east of the city of Sour. Civil Defense teams from Burj al-Shemali were deployed to warn residents and assist evacuations.
Shortly afterward, warplanes struck the targeted building with two missiles, completely destroying it. No casualties were reported, according to our correspondent.
Municipal official killed in strike on Harouf
The Israeli drone strike that targeted Harouf killed a member of the town's municipal council, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
The strike hit near the municipality’s headquarters.
Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi urged Trump to 'give negotiations a chance,' citing risks to energy infrastructure, Axios reports
Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi have jointly sent U.S. President Donald Trump a “unified message” calling on him to “give negotiations a chance” with Iran, out of concern for their oil and energy infrastructure, according to Axios, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
“Give negotiations a chance because if you hit Iran, we will all pay the price for it,” was the essence of the message from the Gulf countries, according to a U.S. official.
Trump reportedly told some of his more hawkish political allies that these countries had said they did not want to see their oil and energy facilities destroyed in Iranian retaliation to U.S. strikes.
On Monday, Trump announced that he had called off a strike on Iran planned for Tuesday, following a request from Gulf leaders. According to Axios, he spoke with these leaders within 24 hours prior to his announcement.
At least 1 killed in Israeli drone strike on Harouf
An Israeli drone strike on Harouf (Nabatieh district) in southern Lebanon killed at least one person and injured another, after a brief lull earlier in the morning, according to our correspondent.
Iran’s air defenses activated overnight on Qeshm Island and in Isfahan
Iran’s air defenses were activated overnight on Qeshm Island, near the Strait of Hormuz, after microdrones were detected, according to the Tasnim News Agency, as cited by Reuters.
Shortly afterward, Mehr News Agency reported that air defenses had also been activated in Isfahan, though the reason was not immediately known.
On Monday, Donald Trump said he had called off a strike against Iran that had been planned for Tuesday, in response to a request from Gulf leaders, and said that “serious negotiations” were underway.
The U.S. president added, however, that the United States stood ready to launch a “full-scale attack on Iran at any time” if an acceptable agreement could not be reached with Tehran, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.
“Dialogue does not mean capitulation,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded in a post on X.
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of another day under the cease-fire in Lebanon, four days after Beirut and Tel Aviv agreed to extend their fragile truce by 45 days following direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington.
We will also be following developments across the region, particularly in Iran.
➡️ Catch up on yesterday's live coverage here.
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