Netanyahu says Israel will remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria 'as long as necessary'; Hezbollah says it 'repelled' Israeli force in south Lebanon | LIVE

Hezbollah fires missiles toward Kfar Tibnit as clashes continue in Nabatieh

Hezbollah fired missiles Monday evening toward the outskirts of Kfar Tibnit in the Nabatieh district, where fighting with Israeli forces has been ongoing for days, our correspondent confirmed.

Israeli interceptors detonated the projectiles over the area.

Separately, Israeli shelling targeted the village of Jarmaq in Jezzine.

Hezbollah also said it had repelled an Israeli advance in the Arnoun area (Nabatieh) using suicide drones.

Netanyahu says Israeli army will remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria 'as long as necessary'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army will stay deployed in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria “for as long as necessary.”

Hezbollah says it 'repelled' Israeli force in south Lebanon

In its first statement of the day, Hezbollah said its fighters “repelled” an Israeli force after spotting a unit — including an excavator and two Merkava tanks — advancing from Arnoun–al-Qemmasheh toward the outskirts of Kfart Tibnit at 6:15 p.m.

The group said it engaged the force with guided missiles and Ababil attack drones, forcing it to retreat.

Hezbollah says it 'repelled' Israeli force in south Lebanon

In its first statement of the day, Hezbollah said its fighters “repelled” an الإسرائيلي force after spotting an Israeli army unit — including an excavator and two Merkava tanks — advancing from Arnoun–el-Kemmacheh toward the outskirts of Kfartebnit at 6:15 p.m.

The group said it engaged the force using guided missiles and Ababil attack drones, forcing it to retreat.

Araghchi to Berri: Lebanon cease-fire must take effect immediately

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in a phone call that the Lebanon cease-fire clause in the U.S.–Iran agreement must “enter into force in full immediately, from day one and for the entire 60-day negotiation period.”

He added that ensuring compliance is the responsibility of the United States and the agreement’s guarantors.

Berri thanked “the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all regional and international parties, for their support and solidarity with Lebanon during this period.”

Trump says he wants to 'talk to Hezbollah' over Lebanon crisis

Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would “see if we can sort out the Lebanese question,” describing it as a “kind of mini-example of what we’ve been dealing with so far, an endless crisis.” He added: “We will talk to Hezbollah.”

Aoun tells Iranian FM: Lebanon’s stability remains a national priority

President Joseph Aoun told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone call that “Lebanon’s stability, security and sovereignty remain a national priority.”

The call addressed regional developments and the recent U.S.–Iran agreement, which Aoun welcomed as a potential step toward easing tensions.

Aoun stressed the need for continued diplomatic efforts to strengthen regional stability, while Araghchi underlined respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and expressed hope that the agreement could support the country’s recovery and stability.

US official: Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon not part of Iran deal

A senior U.S. official said the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon is not included in the agreement between Washington and Tehran. The official also stressed that Israel retains the right to defend itself against any Hezbollah attack.

Erdogan hopes US–Iran deal will bring 'lasting peace'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that the U.S.–Iran agreement will “open the way entirely to the establishment of lasting peace and stability in our region.”

He said the deal marks a “major step” following what he described as tensions triggered by Israeli actions.

Sour: False alarm after fuel tank mistaken for missile on beach

Panic briefly spread in Sour after a widely shared video appeared to show an unexploded missile on the beach. According to our correspondent, it was in fact a spare fuel tank, likely dropped from an Israeli aircraft. The Lebanese Army was deployed to remove the object.

Israeli forces fire toward Bouyout al-Sayyed after advancing near UNIFIL post in the Sour distric

An Israeli force stationed in the occupied village of Bayyada (Sour district) advanced toward a location known as “Hamra,” near a UNIFIL post, in the evening, according to our correspondent. From there, the soldiers carried out sweeping fire toward the village of Bouyout al-Sayyed.

US says no Iranian assets have been unfrozen so far

A senior U.S. official said that no Iranian assets under sanctions have been unfrozen following the signing of a framework agreement between Washington and Tehran.

“Zero,” the official said when asked about reports in Iranian state media claiming that billions of dollars had already been released.

Hormuz: Trump says he doesn’t need 'much help' to reopen strait

At the G7 summit in Evian, U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not “need much help” from the international community to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following an agreement with Iran, while suggesting limited naval support could still be useful.

“I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have a boat or two from some countries… your country would be very good for that, because you never know,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France’s offer of a Franco-British international naval mission, saying it would demonstrate readiness to assist, even if it ultimately proves unnecessary.

Hezbollah fires missile at Israeli vehicles trying to advance toward hills of Ali al-Taher

Hezbollah's fighters have fired a missile toward Israeli vehicles that attempted to advance toward the hills of Ali al-Taher (Nabatieh district), according to our correspondent in the South. Hezbollah has not yet claimed the attack.

Contacted by L'Orient Today, a source close to the group could not immediately confirm the operation.

This would be the first operation carried out by Hezbollah since the U.S.-Iran deal reached last night. Meanwhile, apart from this attempted incursion, Israel has also carried out drone strikes, fired artillery shells, and dropped grenades, killing at least two persons today.

Trump, Vance and Iran's parliament speaker signed the MOU

The memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran has been signed by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad ​Bagher Qalibaf, a senior U.S. official said on Monday.

Israeli stun grenade kills 1, injures others in Mansouri

An Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade on civilians walking toward Mansouri in the Sour district, killing one person and wounding several others, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Health ministry: Israeli attacks on Lebanon in the past 24 hours kill 15, injure 82

The mealth ministry stated that 15 people have been killed and 82 have been wounded as a result of Israel's attacks against Lebanon in the past 24 hours.

The ministry added that the death toll from the Israeli attacks in Lebanon has reached 3,798 since March 2, in addition to 11,781 wounded.

President of Syndicate of photojournalists call photographers not to rush to return to danger zones

The President of the Syndicate of photojournalists in Lebanon, Ali Alloush, said in a statement that he hoped "fellow photographers would not rush to return to danger zones or treat the situation as if it has become completely safe."

"Until this moment, nothing is guaranteed, and field developments may change at any time. Therefore, we call on everyone to exercise the utmost caution, adhere to professional safety procedures, and take the necessary precautions while working and moving around", he added.

Earlier, journalist Hadi Hoteit was wounded after an Israeli drone dropped a grenade toward him in the village of Kfartebnit (Sour district) while he was on duty.

Sound of explosion heard in Kfar tTibnit, circumstances remain unclear

In other developments in South Lebanon, a sound of explosion has been heard in the village of Kfar Tinbnit (Sour district). According to some sources, an Israeli drone fired a missile on the village, while other sources say that an Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade there.

Meanwhile, our correspondent in the south also reported that a citizen found a large unexploded Israeli missile on the beach in the city of Sour.

Furthermore, an Israeli drone has been flying over Iqlim al-Kharrub (Chouf district) at a low altitude.

Israeli drone strike kills one in Kfar Tibnit

An Israeli drone struck a car at the Kfar Tibnit roundabout in the Sour district of southern Lebanon on Monday, killing one person.

The victim has not yet been identified, as the body remains unrecognizable.

This marks the second fatality reported in southern Lebanon on the same day, despite a U.S.–Iran agreement framework that was reportedly intended to include Lebanon as part of broader de-escalation efforts in the region.

Earlier, Ismail Allam was killed in Yater (Bint Jbeil district) following an explosion whose cause has not yet been determined.

The situation in southern Lebanon remains highly volatile, with continued strikes and incidents reported across multiple villages despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict.

Israeli drone grenade wounds journalist in Kfart Tibnit

Journalist Hadi Hoteit was wounded after an Israeli drone dropped a grenade toward him in the village of Kfar Tibnit (Sour district) while he was on duty. He was taken to the hospital of al-Najda al-Shaabiya for treatment.

From the hospital, he narrated what happened to him, saying that the grenade exploded less than a meter away from him. He also accused Israel of deliberately targeting him.

Hezbollah to Israel: there will be no return to the pre–March 2 situation

In a statement issued to congratulate Iran on what it described as a “major achievement” — the conclusion of an agreement with the United States — Hezbollah said that Israel “must understand that there will be no return to the situation that existed before March 2.” Prior to the resumption of war between Hezbollah and the Israeli army on March 2, the latter had been striking Lebanon, notably targeting party officials, almost daily without any response from Hezbollah.

“The resistance, which has been and remains the vigilant eye protecting the homeland and its people, will not accept any aggression that violates national sovereignty and sheds the blood of its people,” the statement said.

The group also called on the population to “exercise patience and await instructions from the competent authorities for a safe return to their villages and towns, in order to ensure their safety and avoid any risks that may result from potential Israeli violations.”

Additionally, Hezbollah urged “the Lebanese authorities to reassess all their calculations and policies, to draw lessons from past experiences, to avoid illusions and losing bets, and to recognize that a unified Lebanese position and reliance on genuine allies constitute the best way to safeguard national interests.”

Washington expects Hormuz to reopen 'without tolls,' says US Vice President JD Vance, in remarks reported by AFP

Iran says US pledged to pay compensation, release funds

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said Monday that the United States has pledged to release Iranian assets frozen abroad and to pay reparations for war damage, according to a settlement agreement.

"The release of Iranian assets and reparations for damage are two key points" of the agreement expected to be signed Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai said during his weekly press briefing.

"The U.S. side has committed to taking steps in both areas," he said.

Iranian Foreign Ministry says maritime service fees to be charged in Hormuz

The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that Iran will charge maritime service fees to ships transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, rather than imposing tolls, as part of the framework agreement reached with the United States.

"We have always maintained that we are not seeking to collect transit tolls, but that fees for navigation services, environmental protection, ship insurance, and other necessary services will be charged," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai clarified during his weekly press briefing.

Regional agreement with the United States: Hezbollah 'thanks' Iran for including Lebanon

Sour mayor inspects city neighborhoods

Sour Mayor Hassan Dbouk, accompanied by his deputy mayor Alwan Charafeddine and city council member Walid Tawil, toured the city's neighborhoods to assess the damage caused to buildings and property by the Israeli attacks.

The tour also included monitoring the ongoing work to reopen roads and remove obstacles and debris, in preparation for the return of residents and to ensure conditions conducive to their stability, according to our correspondent in the South.

Israel 'does not consider itself bound by the Lebanon clause of the US-Iran agreement,' Netanyahu said, according to Israeli sources cited by the Maariv newspaper

According to Israeli sources cited by the Maariv newspaper, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a meeting with Donald Trump that Israel “does not consider itself bound by the Lebanon clause of the U.S.-Iran agreement.”

According to him, the Israeli army “will not withdraw from Lebanon, will maintain its current positions, and will continue to act against the Hezbollah threat, including destroying terrorist infrastructure and retaliating against any attack against Israel.”

According to these sources, the agreement that the United States is expected to sign with Iran does not limit Israel’s actions in Lebanon. The main message is clear: Israel has its own security and strategic interests in Lebanon and intends to defend them.”

Israeli aggression on south Lebanon

The Israeli army detonated a large explosive device in the village of Aita al-Jabal (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent.

Israeli drones flew over the city of Saida and villages in the Sour district.

Civil Defense teams are continuing road clearing operations in the village of Touline (Marjayoun) and other localities.

Earlier, around noon, Israeli artillery fire targeted the hills of Ali al-Taher (Nabatieh).

Baghaei: Respect for Lebanon's sovereignty is part of the agreement with the United States

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei stated that respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity is part of the agreement with the United States.

He added that regional visits are planned before the signing of the agreement with the United States in Switzerland.

Iran: Uranium capabilities must be 'neutralized' under IAEA supervision, Macron says

Iran's highly enriched uranium capabilities must be "neutralized" under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday.

"Our priority" is to have "a solid and serious agreement finalized" between Washington and Tehran, the French president stated on TF1, adding that France and its European allies would "ensure that the enriched uranium capabilities present in Iran are indeed neutralized."

"Either it must be removed, or diluted. Then, we must ensure that there will be oversight by this agency [IAEA] so that the Iranians cannot, in the months and years to come, reorganize to produce enriched uranium again and build weapons with it."

Hormuz: French aircraft carrier 'can be deployed within 2 or 3 days' after agreement confirmation, says Macron

The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle "can be deployed within two or three days" to the Strait of Hormuz after confirmation of the agreement reached between Washington and Tehran, President Emmanuel Macron stated in an interview on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

"We have built a mission with the British" to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and "the Charles de Gaulle, along with everything surrounding it and remaining in the area, can be deployed within two or three days of the agreement's confirmation," he assured on the TF1 television channel.

Hezbollah source told our publication that the party does not intend to bring down the Salam government

Contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour, a Hezbollah source expressed gratitude to Iran, "which was able to reach a solid agreement, knowing that a return to calm in Lebanon was an essential condition for this agreement."

"The Lebanese government is therefore called upon to learn from a process that has borne fruit and to take advantage of the presence of the Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on the political scene to achieve concrete results," the source added.

How does Hezbollah intend to leverage Sunday's agreement on the local scene? The Hezbollah source stated that the militia does not intend to bring down the Salam government.

“We have more important issues to address, such as unifying the Lebanese position in order to move towards indirect negotiations,” the source stated, accusing the government of “giving in to American pressure and making gratuitous concessions to the Israelis.”

“Perhaps we should consider changing the composition of the Lebanese negotiating delegation in Washington,” the source suggested.

Hezbollah says hasn't conducted operations against Israel since announcement of US-Iran agreement

In statements to Reuters, a Hezbollah official asserted that his party has not carried out any operations since the announcement of the agreement.

He also indicated that his organization rejects the Israeli "freedom of movement" in Lebanon, following the agreement between Iran and the United States, which also includes Lebanon.

He further noted that Iran delayed the signing of the agreement to monitor Israel's compliance with the cease-fire in Lebanon.

Joumblatt: 'I don’t believe' in Iran-US deal

Former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Joumblatt, told L’Orient-Le Jour that he “does not believe” in the Iran-U.S. agreement reached on Sunday.

“I will believe it the day Israel stops bombing Lebanon and demolishing houses in the South.”

When asked about the agreement’s impact on the ongoing negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv in Washington, Joumblatt said, “I don’t believe it either. You can’t imagine pilot zones without being certain of an Israeli withdrawal. We’ll see if the Lebanese delegation is firm on this point on June 22 [the date of the next round of negotiations in Washington]. In the meantime, we are waiting for the establishment of new shelters given the growing number of displaced people,” the Druze leader concluded.

London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Ottawa ready to lift some sanctions on Iran

The E4 countries — the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy — joined by Canada, welcomed the cease-fire agreement between the United States and Iran on Sunday, stating in a joint statement their readiness to lift some sanctions against Iran.

“Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. We are ready to work with the United States, Iran, and the IAEA to this end,” the leaders of the five countries said, as quoted in the statement.

They added that they were “willing to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear and verifiable steps by Iran regarding its nuclear program.”

Iraq welcomes planned reopening of Hormuz under US-Iran agreement

Oil-rich Iraq welcomed Monday the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under the agreement announced by the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry expressed its “satisfaction with the announcement of the imminent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to normal navigation, given its crucial importance in ensuring the delivery of oil and gas to global markets.”

Iraq relies on this strategic waterway to export the bulk of its crude oil, which accounts for nearly 90% of its revenue.

Lebanese Army calls on displaced persons to 'wait before returning to border villages'

The Lebanese Army command stressed, in a statement, "the need for residents to wait before returning to the southern border villages and towns."

It also called on them to "respect the instructions of the deployed military units in order to preserve their safety in the face of the risk of Israeli violations and aggression, in light of recent developments in the region."

The command further emphasized the need to exercise "caution and vigilance in areas targeted by Israeli attacks, and to report any unexploded ordnance or suspicious objects to the nearest army or other security force post."

Explosion kills first person in south Lebanon since cease-fire, origins remain unclear

Citizen Ismail Allam was killed in Yater (Bint Jbeil district), following an explosion whose origins remain unknown so far.

Former mayor of the village Khalil Qourani told L'Orient Today's correspondent in the South that "investigations are ongoing to determine whether the explosion was caused by a suspicious object, unexploded ordnance, or an Israeli strike," stressing that no hypothesis has yet been confirmed.

Qourani warned residents against heading to the village or moving around inside it for the time being, noting that internal roads remain blocked and that the relevant authorities have not yet completed sweep operations to ensure the area is free of unexploded munitions.

Allam is the first person killed in Lebanon since the peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, which includes Lebanon, went into effect overnight.

Maritime fees in Hormuz added to agreement with Washington last minute

Iran added a clause at the last minute to negotiations with the United States stipulating the imposition of fees for maritime services in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian news agency Fars reported Monday.

"In the final moments of negotiations, the text of the memorandum of understanding was amended, clearly and explicitly highlighting the issue of Iranian-Omani sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz," Fars reported, citing an anonymous source.

"The use of the term 'maritime services' [in the final version] means that the United States will demand payment of fees from Iran," the agency clarified.

Nabatieh municipality urging residents 'not to return to the city at this time'

The municipality of Nabatieh has urged its residents "not to return to the city at this time, under any circumstances."

"We ask you to be patient ... while we wait for the situation to become clearer and for an official and clear statement to be issued," it added.

Roads reopened in Zibqine, artillery fire in Zawtar al-Sharqieh

Excavators have begun reopening roads blocked by rubble in the town of Zibqine (Sour), according to a video relayed by our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, artillery fire targeted a road leading to Zawtar al-Sharqieh, in the Nabatieh district.

Displaced people return to Mashghara, hesitant return to Bekaa

Residents of the village of Mashghara, in western Bekaa, have begun returning home, reports our correspondent in the region.

According to a video shared by our correspondent, the displaced people are being greeted by Lebanese and Hezbollah flags, placed at the village entrance, to the sound of partisan songs. Displaced people from several Shiite villages have returned to inspect their homes before leaving again.

Returns to the western Bekaa Valley remain limited for the time being, as Hezbollah and the Amal Movement have asked their supporters to wait for the results of the signing ceremony of the Iranian-American agreement scheduled for Friday in Geneva.

The municipalities of Qlaya and Lebbaya have called on residents not to return to the village until official authorization is given by the authorities, warning of the fragility of the cease-fire.

Smotrich criticizes Iran deal, calls for strengthening the military campaign in Lebanon

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that "the Iran deal is bad for Israel." "The joint [U.S.-Israel] campaign has achieved many successes in weakening Iran, and these gains have not been in vain," Smotrich said on his Telegram channel.

"We must continue the campaign to bring down the regime ourselves, using creative means, and ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons," he added, calling for a strengthening of the military campaign in Lebanon. "It is in Lebanon that we will be judged. This is our war, these are our soldiers, and the immediate security of our northern residents is at stake," he continued.

US-Iran deal: Pakistan hails 'historic step toward peace'

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed a “historic step towards peace” on Monday after the United States and Iran reached an agreement to end the Middle East war, brokered by his country.

“Today, the world witnessed a historic step towards peace. After the darkness of war, the sun of peace has risen,” the leader said, highlighting the “extraordinary” role played in the negotiations by Pakistani army chief Asim Munir, and also thanking the other countries that contributed to the mediation.

Israeli drones fly over Beirut's southern suburbs

Israeli drones are flying over Beirut's southern suburbs and surrounding areas at low altitude.

US-Iran deal: Pedro Sánchez calls for not forgetting 'cost' of war'

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed Monday’s announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, while also calling for not forgetting the “cost” of the war, which he described as “nonsense.”

“More than 7,400 dead, mostly civilians. Hundreds of homes, schools, and hospitals destroyed. Widespread price increases and billions of euros in losses, including in Europe. This is the cost of the conflict in Iran,” wrote Sánchez, who had always expressed his fierce opposition to the war.

“Let us celebrate. But let us not forget. And let us learn once and for all that war is a failure. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward,” he concluded.

For Egypt, US-Iran agreement could be 'turning point' for peace in Middle East

Egyptian diplomacy welcomed on Monday the agreement announced by the United States and Iran to bring a lasting end to the war in the Middle East, believing it could constitute a "major turning point" for peace in the region.

"Egypt hopes that this agreement will constitute a major turning point towards strengthening mutual trust, establishing new foundations for cooperation, creating an environment conducive to peace, and promoting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the remaining regional issues," the Foreign Ministry in Cairo stated in a press release.

Berri thanks Iran, US for including clause to halt Israeli aggression against Lebanon

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday welcomed the memorandum of understanding announced between Iran and the United States and thanked both countries for including a clause calling for a halt to Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

In a statement, the head of the legislature praised "the efforts and initiatives undertaken by Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to reach this agreement, which, through its provisions, lays the foundation for security and stability in the region, including in Lebanon."

More details here.

Saudi Arabia welcomes Iran-US deal

Saudi Arabia on Monday welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at a lasting end to the war in the Middle East, while warning that "the security interests of the states in the region" must be taken into account.

The kingdom welcomed "the agreement reached between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to end military operations and to begin, within 60 days, detailed negotiations with a view to reaching a permanent agreement," the Saudi Foreign Ministry said on X.

It also stressed the need to reach a lasting peace agreement "that takes into account the security interests of the states in the region while respecting the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries."

Lebanon was not informed of deal between Iran, US

Lebanon was not informed of the agreement between the United States and Iran, which provides for an end to the war on all fronts in the Middle East, including between Lebanon and Israel, an official source told AFP on Monday.

"We were not informed of the terms of the agreement," nor of when the cease-fire in the war between Hezbollah and Israel, which began on March 2, would take effect, said the Lebanese official, who requested anonymity.

Araghchi: Israeli attacks on Lebanon must stop

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi told his Turkish, Iraqi, and Egyptian counterparts on Monday, in separate phone calls reported by Reuters, that Israeli attacks on Lebanon must cease completely and that the United States has a responsibility to implement the framework agreement aimed at ending the war.

According to his Telegram account, the United States has also been held responsible for implementing this agreement.

US-Iran: China 'welcomes' agreement, 'commends' Pakistan's mediation

China welcomed Monday's announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, while also praising Pakistan's mediation efforts.

"China welcomes the fact that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement on the content of the first-phase memorandum of understanding, and commends Pakistan's mediation efforts," said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry, during a regular press briefing.

Lebanese Army closed access to several roads in south Lebanon after Israeli artillery fire prevented displaced people from reaching certain areas

According to residents quoted by our correspondent, the Lebanese Army has closed several roads, particularly after Israeli artillery fire was used to prevent displaced people from reaching certain areas.

In Haris (Bint Jbeil), troops closed the road near the Haj Dib Attieh station due to the presence of Israeli tanks in the area. The army also blocked access to the road connecting Nabatieh Fawqa to Kfar Tibnit, as well as the road leading from Kfar Roummane to Sahel al-Maydana and Marjeyoun.

Israeli troops closed several roads to prevent residents from reaching certain localities. These are the roads leading to Wadi Hujeir, Haris to Tibnin, and Wadi Slouki. The same applies to the roads connecting Mansouri to Buyut al-Siyyad, Haddatha to Haris, Nabatieh to Kfar Tibnit, and Kfar Sir to Qa'aqayeh. Some of these roads have been reopened by the Lebanese Army and the al-Rissala scouts, according to our correspondent.

Furthermore, local officials in Zawtar al-Sharqieh, Zawtar al-Gharbieh (Nabatieh), and Shehabieh (Sour) have urged residents to wait for official statements from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement before returning to their villages.

The Israeli army also detonated car bombs on the road linking Haris to Tibnin, while forced evacuation orders were issued about car bombs on the road between Haddatha and Haris.

Iran-US deal: If confirmed, 'it's good news,' says Christine Lagarde

The President of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagarde, stated on Monday that the announced agreement between Iran and the United States was "good news," provided, however, that "it is reinforced by developments in the coming days."

"We can only welcome it," she declared on France Culture radio, "especially if it enshrines the opening and clearing of mines from the Strait of Hormuz."

Lagarde noted, however, that the news would need to be "confirmed," because "we have been burned a number of times by the imminence of an agreement, but it seems ... that this time it's the real deal."

However, she observed "that the story is not yet over and in particular the whole question of uranium enrichment remains to be debated, agreed upon and concluded in the form of an agreement, since it was one of the 'goals' of this strange war."

Israel incessantly struck south Lebanon Sunday night

Several Israeli airstrikes were reported in southern Lebanon on Sunday between 11 p.m. and midnight, according to our correspondent.

The Israeli army carried out strikes on Shaqra (Bint Jbeil), Qabrikha-Majdal Selm (Marjayoun), Mansouri, Dibil, Shehabieh and Majdal Zoun (Sour), and Arab Salim (Nabatieh).

In the Saida district, a strike on Ghassanieh killed two people, and another strike targeted Tuffahta. After midnight, Israeli artillery targeted Nabatieh Fawqa and Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh). Fighter jets also flew over southern Lebanon.

On Sunday, according to a count by our correspondent, Israeli aircraft struck 26 villages in southern Lebanon, while drones targeted 13 villages, and Israeli artillery struck 14 locations, including one targeted by white phosphorus bombs.

For its part, Hezbollah carried out 28 attacks against Israeli targets in southern Lebanon.

Katz: Israel will not withdraw from seized territories in Lebanon

"Israel will not withdraw from the territories it has seized in Lebanon, and if Iran attacks Israel because of the events in Lebanon, Israel will retaliate," Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Monday, as quoted by Reuters.

Israel targeting any movement around Nabatieh Fawqa, Kfar Tibnit, Mayfadoun, according to our correspondent

Gantz claims 'under no circumstances should Israel's freedom of action in Lebanon be limited'

"Under no circumstances should Israel's freedom of action in Lebanon be limited, nor should a withdrawal that would endanger the inhabitants of northern Israel be accepted," wrote former Israeli minister Benny Gantz on X.

"The agreement with Iran appears to be a strategic failure that will force Israel to engage in a political, military, and legal struggle in the years to come," he added.

Ben Gvir criticizes US-Iran agreement, calls for intensified military operations in Lebanon

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the U.S.-Iran agreement on Monday aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, including Lebanon, asserting that Israel was not bound by its terms.

"Trump's agreement does not bind us... we are not a party to this agreement. It does not guarantee our security," Ben Gvir stated on his Telegram channel, in what was the first reaction from an Israeli official to the agreement reached on Monday.

"We must not settle for anything less than the dismantling of Hezbollah. We must not withdraw an inch from the territory that our soldiers have conquered and cleared of terrorist infrastructure [in Lebanon]," he added.

Tentative return of displaced people to Bekaa

A few displaced people have begun returning to villages in the Bekaa Valley, in the absence of an official call from Lebanese authorities, given the uncertainties surrounding the cease-fire in Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the region.

Cease-fire: Cautious calm in south Lebanon, displaced people begin returning to villages

A fragile calm took hold Monday morning in several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, following the announcement of the peace agreement.

From midnight until the early hours of the morning, Israeli fighter jets and drones were absent, reports our correspondent in the region. Some residents began returning to their villages to inspect their homes and belongings.

This fragile calm was disrupted by artillery fire on the outskirts of Nabatieh Fawqa-Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), with the Israeli army firing to warn returning residents against venturing too far into the area, according to our correspondent. Artillery fire was also reported in Yater (Bint Jbeil), in the Ksar neighborhood, as residents entered the neighborhood. No injuries were reported in this incident.

Early this morning, bombings were reported in Markaba and Khiam (Marjayoun), as well as in Haddatha and Rshaf (Bint Jbeil). On two occasions, the Israeli army launched stun grenades at Haris (Bint Jbeil). Israeli military vehicles were seen around the Beaufort Citadel in the Nabatieh district.

Meanwhile, returns to southern Lebanon remain limited and cautious given the security situation. Several residents reported having begun reopening some secondary roads between towns, after they had been damaged or closed following Israeli attacks, in order to facilitate travel and allow displaced people to return home.

At the same time, instructions and warnings have been issued to those returning to southern Lebanon, urging them to exercise extreme caution, particularly regarding suspicious objects, unexploded ordnance, and damaged or dilapidated buildings.

Macron: 'Robust, lasting cease-fire is essential' in Lebanon

A "robust and lasting cease-fire is essential" in Lebanon, says French President Emmanuel Macron after the announcement of the Iran-U.S. agreement.

Macron: Paris, London-initied international maritime mission 'ready to support' Hormuz reopening

French Prsident Emmanuel Macron, who is hosting U.S. President Donald Trump in Evian for the G7 Summit, declared on Monday that the international maritime mission established by France and the United Kingdom is “ready to support” the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following the agreement reached between the United States and Iran.

“The resources are in place and ready to be deployed,” the president said on X, noting the importance of an “urgent and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.”

“The resumption of maritime traffic, without restrictions or tolls, is an essential condition for regional stability and the global economy,” he added.

EU Council president welcomes Iran-US agreement to end 'costly war'

EU ​​Council President António Costa welcomed Monday’s announced agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East, adding that Europe was ready to contribute to a “lasting peace.”

“I welcome the end of this costly war and the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the President of the European Council said on X, a few hours after the announcement of an agreement to end the war in the Middle East, including Lebanon, with a signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Geneva.

UK, France, Germany, Italy 'prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear steps by Iran'

In a joint statement, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy declared themselves "prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear and verifiable steps by Iran regarding its nuclear program."

Oil prices plunge more than 4% after announcement of deal between Iran-US

The announcement triggered a drop of more than 4% in oil prices, which had soared since the outbreak of the war on Feb. 28 and the blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's hydrocarbon trade normally passes.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange jumped more than 4% and the Seoul Stock Exchange more than 5% on Monday morning.

US, Iran reach preliminary agreement to end war, signing set for Friday

U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, in a preliminary deal that sent oil prices falling but leaves the fate of Iran's nuclear program to further negotiations.

"The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform around 5:30 p.m. ET (9:30 GMT) on Sunday. His post came shortly after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has served as a mediator, announced a deal had been struck early on Monday local time.

The memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland.

More details here.

Good morning. We are now launching our live coverage of news from the region.

We are now launching our live coverage of the news from Lebanon.

We will also be following the latest developments between Iran and the United States, as the two countries reached a peace agreement yesterday that includes Lebanon, with the signing scheduled for Friday, June 19.

Find our live updates from yesterday here.