Trump: Aoun to visit Washington within next two weeks | LIVE

Trump says continued war with Iran could have caused 'global economic depression'

American President Donald Trump defended the agreement concluded with Iran during the G7 summit in Evian, believing that a continuation of the war in the Middle East could have led to a global economic catastrophe.

“The only thing I didn't want to see was an economic catastrophe. If this had continued, this could have happened,” he told reporters.

The U.S. president added that U.S. forces had voluntarily refrained from striking Iranian oil pipelines to avoid even greater economic consequences, given Iran's role in supplying global markets.

“I didn’t want to disrupt the global market,” he said. "This would have been a mistake and could have caused an international economic depression.”

Trump claims attack on girls' school in Iran was unintentional

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed "no one" deliberately targeted a girls' primary school in Minab, southern Iran.

The strike, which occurred on Feb. 28, the first day of American-Israeli strikes against Iran, killed at least 175 people, according to Iranian authorities.

“The matter is under investigation,” Trump said at a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, adding that “mistakes are made in war.”

“No one did this intentionally,” he alleged.

Washington commits to facilitating release of $300 billion fund for Iran in event of final agreement

The United States is committed to facilitating the release of a fund of 300 billion dollars for the reconstruction and development of Iran in the event of a final agreement on Iranian nuclear power, according to the text of the memorandum of understanding concluded between Washington and Tehran and revealed.

“The United States is committed, with its regional partners, to developing a definitive plan, mutually agreed, in an amount of at least $300 billion, intended for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran” whose implementation modalities must be finalized during the negotiations, indicated a senior American official who read the text to journalists.

Iran will also be authorized to sell its oil as soon as this memorandum of understanding is formally signed.

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon has risen to 3,884

The Health Ministry reported 3,884 killed and 11,856 wounded by Israeli attacks since March 2, an increase of 58 deaths and 5 injuries respectively in the last 24 hours, despite a decrease in Israeli attacks since Sunday.

The Ministry did not specify how many people had been killed before Monday, but indicated that several bodies had recently been recovered from the rubble.

Israeli artillery fire targets Ali al-Taher heights

Israeli artillery fire targeted the heights of Ali al-Taher, in the Nabatieh district, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Tehran says considering signing of Iran-US agreement by presidents of both countries in Switzerland

Iran is considering the possibility of its memorandum of understanding with the United States being signed by the presidents of both countries at a meeting scheduled for the end of the week in Switzerland.

"So far, our plans for the meeting" scheduled for Friday in Switzerland "have not changed," and "regarding the signing of the memorandum of understanding, one of the ideas is that it be carried out by the presidents of the two countries, which is currently under consideration," stated Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei.

Iran had previously stated that the text would be signed by its chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Qassem says Lebanon-Israel negotiations must be limited to 'mutual security'

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said Wednesday that the negotiations led by Lebanon with Israel since April under Washington’s auspices, which his party had previously opposed, must be limited to "mutual security." "Any plan aimed at disarmament will not pass; this is an Israeli recipe to take everything and destroy the country," he asserted.

In this context, he called for taking advantage of the Nov. 27, 2024 cease-fire agreement to implement "five points: an end to aggression by air, land and sea, the withdrawal of Israel from all Lebanese territory, the release of prisoners, the return of the inhabitants to every last centimeter of Lebanon, and reconstruction."

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Trump: Aoun to visit Washington in within next two weeks

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun would visit Washington "in one or two weeks."

War in Lebanon: For Macron, 'the key' lies in supporting Aoun, Salam, Lebanese Army

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that “the key” to preserving the cease-fire in Lebanon lies in supporting President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, his government, and the Lebanese Army to enable them to implement “what they are committed to with great courage and perseverance,” particularly the Lebanese Army’s monopoly on weapons and the restoration of state authority throughout the country.

He also indicated that the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, which “puts an end to the fighting everywhere, from the Strait of Hormuz to Lebanon,” was “a good thing” and that he fully supported it, because “continuing the fighting means the loss of life, and this situation is unacceptable.” He stressed that it was essential for all parties to respect this agreement and refrain from resuming hostilities in Lebanon. “This concerns Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel,” he emphasized.

Answering a question about Lebanon, the French president stated that “the situation is well-known” and that the necessary measures are also clear. He asserted that Hezbollah must no longer conduct activities “on and from Lebanese territory against Israel,” nor that Israel must “react immediately.” “This is a call for calm addressed to everyone to put an end to the strikes and violence affecting the civilian population,” he declared.

“These bombings must absolutely cease so that, gradually, the Lebanese Army can regain full control of the entire territory north of the Litani River, and so that, through a phased, zone-by-zone approach, we can see the Lebanese army progressively regain control of its own territory, while the international community ensures respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty,” Macron declared.

He also stated that “Iran obviously has an imminent responsibility,” judging that it was up to Iran to ensure that “neither it nor Hezbollah further degrades the situation.” He added that Israel also had a responsibility to respect the ceasefire “since it also applies to them.” “President Trump was very clear on this point, with our full support,” he concluded.

Washington, Tehran discussing early signing of MOU, Axios reports

The United States, Iran, and mediating countries are discussing the possibility of signing the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran remotely as early as Wednesday, rather than in person on Friday as initially planned, according to a diplomat from one of the mediating countries cited by Axios and another source familiar with the discussions.

According to the diplomatic source, the accelerated timeline aims to allow for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz before Friday, a point on which both sides agree. Another reason could be political pressure on the White House to release the text of the agreement.

However, the source close to the matter asserts that it was Iran that demanded the document not be made public before its official signing, rejecting the idea that the U.S. administration is acting under political pressure.

Israel blows up house in Haddatha

Israeli soldiers blew up a house on the outskirts of the town of Haddatha (Bint Jbeil district), according to our correspondent.

G7: Macron assures 'unanimous support for cease-fire' in Lebanon

During his press conference on the sidelines of the G7 summit, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his "unanimous support," as well as that of the other leaders of the participating countries, for the cease-fire that has been secured for Lebanon — a solid and immediate cease-fire, which is an absolute emergency — and the need to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon and all its political and military authorities.

He also emphasized that the "very good agreement" between the United States and Iran had been unanimously welcomed by the G7 members.

Trump says Iran deal not final but 'very solid'

U.S. President Donald Trump said the cease-fire agreement reached this week with Iran is not final and that he could resume a bombing campaign if he is not satisfied with it, Reuters reports.

“It’s a memorandum of understanding. And if I don’t like it, we’ll start shooting them again, dropping bombs on their heads,” Trump said at the G7 summit in France.

The U.S. president described the memorandum of understanding with Iran as “very solid,” calling it a “wall against a nuclear weapon” during a briefing with reporters. “In the first week, militarily, we defeated Iran,” he added, referring to the U.S. military campaign.

Trump also indicated that he wanted Israel to show "good judgment" while remaining "capable of defending itself" as the country continues its strikes in Lebanon.

Israel repositioning forces in Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun districts

The Israeli army has repositioned its forces in several sectors of the districts of Bint Jbeil and Marjeaoun, according to reports from our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

In Kounin (Bint Jbeil), Israeli military vehicles left the entrance to the town to move to other positions within the village. Others were observed on several roads, including the Kounin-Ainata road, the Kounin-Saf al-Hawa-Bint Jbeil road, as well as at the entrance to Ainata heading towards Bint Jbeil.

Israeli soldiers also left the outskirts of Braasheet to reposition themselves on the Ainata-Aitaroun road, which overlooks the town. At the same time, soldiers and military vehicles left the Haddatha and Tiri sectors to move to positions further south, while the Israeli army reduced its presence in Zawtar Sharqieh.

Earlier in the day, another Israeli ground movement was reported in the Khiam area of ​​the Marjayoun district. According to information gathered by our correspondent, Israeli units there repositioned themselves toward the Sarda and Amra sectors, south of the town.

Five Israeli soldiers wounded in a drone attack in south Lebanon, according to Israeli army

The Israeli army announced that one soldier was seriously wounded, two others moderately wounded, and two others slightly wounded in the explosion of a booby-trapped drone in southern Lebanon. The wounded were evacuated to a hospital for treatment, it added.

Israeli drone drops stun grenade in Haddatha

An Israeli army drone dropped a stun grenade towards a group of young men on the outskirts of Haddatha, in the Bint Jbeil district, without causing any injuries.

Aoun: Lebanon pursuing 'independent path' in negotiations with Israel despite Iran-US deal

President Joseph Aoun has affirmed that the negotiations being conducted by the government with Israel remain “independent” of the memorandum of understanding that is about to be finalized between the United States and Iran.

“The assurances we have received, and what we insist on, are that Lebanon is pursuing its own path in the negotiations ... The Lebanese state is leading the negotiations. It is in charge of its decisions, and no one can replace it. Any agreement will be concluded through us, and not at our expense,” the head of state declared, according to a statement released by the presidency.

He nevertheless said he was "in favor of a cease-fire and any assistance provided by any country, including Iran," while an "immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon" is planned according to the memorandum of understanding that Washington and Tehran are preparing to sign on Friday in Switzerland.

Israel’s UN ambassador deems US-Iran deal 'very bad for Israel'

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, believes the memorandum of understanding about to be finalized between Washington and Tehran is “very bad” for Israel, the United States, and the Gulf states.

In statements reported by Israeli Channel 14, Danon asserted that by seeking to end the war as quickly as possible, U.S. President Donald Trump had allowed Iran to “improve” its position.

“But we have to wait. No decision has been made yet; this is currently just a framework for continuing negotiations,” he said.

Nawaf Salam to meet Macron in Paris on Thursday

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday, a day after G7 leaders voiced support for Lebanon, according to a Lebanese government source and a diplomatic source.

In a joint statement issued at the G7 summit in Evian, France, which runs through Wednesday and includes the United States, the leaders said they supported an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon, and praised the Lebanese state's efforts to disarm Hezbollah and protect the country's territorial integrity.

According to a diplomatic source at the G7, Macron and Salam will discuss in Paris "the implementation of this G7 statement." The source said the position adopted by the leaders of the seven powers, including U.S. President Donald Trump, sends Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the message that he "must stop" attacks on Lebanon.

Salam's visit to Paris also comes as Lebanon is due to resume bilateral negotiations with Israel in Washington on Monday, from which France has been excluded.

Israeli UN ambassador calls US-Iran agreement 'very bad for Israel'

Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, said the memorandum of understanding that Washington and Tehran are about to conclude is "very bad" for Israel, the United States, and Gulf countries.

In remarks carried by Israeli broadcaster Channel 14, Danon said U.S. President Donald Trump, by seeking to end the war as quickly as possible, had allowed Iran to "improve" its position.

"But we have to wait. No decision has been made yet. For now, this is only a framework for continuing negotiations," he said.

Israeli artillery shelling, airstrikes target Nabatieh district

Israeli artillery shelling targeted the road between Nabatieh Fawqa and Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh), our correspondent in the South reported.

Israeli airstrikes also targeted the Zafata area at the Arnoun town junction, on the road between Kfar Tibnit and Khardali, on the eastern side of the Ali Taher hills (Nabatieh), our correspondent added.

Katz says Israel to deepen Somaliland ties, country denies that Israeli army is building base

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will deepen its cooperation with Somaliland, a breakaway state in the Horn of Africa recently recognized by Israel, while denying that his army is building a base there, Haaretz reported.

Katz met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and several other officials currently visiting Israel, saying that Israel and Somaliland have had significant security ties and cooperation for years, some of which were conducted in secret.

Somaliland Defense Minister Mohamed Yusef told Reuters that Israel only trains the country's army and police, denying the presence of Israeli troops in his state. He denied reports that Israel was in negotiations ‌to establish ⁠a military ‌base in Somaliland, calling them "rumors."

China to send new batch of humanitarian aid to Iran, Lebanon

China has decided to provide a new batch of humanitarian aid to Iran and Lebanon in the near future to further assist the people there in recovery, reconstruction, and economic development, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said today at a regular press briefing, in remarks relayed by several local outlets.

Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said as a good friend of Middle Eastern countries and a responsible major power, China will continue to offer support and assistance within its capacity.

Trump says Iran memorandum of understanding is not final

U.S President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding with Iran was not final, and that he could resume attacks if he did not like it.

"It's a memorandum of understanding. And if I don't like it, we'll go back to shooting at them, dropping bombs on their head. If I don't like it, if they don't behave, we'll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head, OK?" said Trump, at the G7 summit in France.

Trump said the Iran memorandum of understanding did not include immediate sanctions relief for Iran, while adding he would talk about this matter later.

Israeli drone strikes injure 5

Two Israeli drone strikes on Mansouri (Sour district) injured five people, our correspondent reported.

A third Israeli drone strike hit Braasheet (Bint Jbeil).

Israeli soldiers also opened fire on a car in Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya).

'We will remain in south Lebanon,' Smotrich says

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday in an interview with Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 that Israel had no intention of withdrawing from south Lebanon despite the announcement of a new cease-fire.

"There will be no withdrawal from Lebanon, neither by Friday nor afterward. We will remain in south Lebanon and strengthen our presence there," he said. "As long as Hezbollah has not been disarmed, we will stay there for the long term, for as long as necessary, while preserving the army's full freedom of action."

The far-right minister made the remarks ahead of the signing on Friday in Switzerland of the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, which provides for "the immediate and permanent end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon."

Smotrich also said Israel now occupies nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip, where it has expanded the route of the "yellow line" demarcating the occupied area.

"Gaza is in ruins. There will be no reconstruction without demilitarization. We are currently preparing several plans because we must annihilate Hamas," he claimed.

He also highlighted growing differences between Tel Aviv and Washington over whether to continue the war against Iran. "There are real disagreements between the United States and us at the moment. The challenge is how to manage this crisis while remaining firm. We must know how not to break the rope while remaining firm," he said.

Israeli artillery fire resumes in Nabatieh and Jezzine districts

Sporadic Israeli artillery fire continued on Kfar Tibnit and Nabatieh Fawqa (Nabatieh district). Shells notably struck the area surrounding the teachers' training institute in the city of Nabatieh.

Israeli artillery also targeted the Jabal Rafih area on the heights of Aramta (Jezzine district).

Israeli attacks at dawn hit near hospital, charity

At 6:30 a.m., an Israeli booby-trapped drone crashed in an open area near the Hussein Taleb restaurant in Ansarieh, in the Saida district, causing only material damage.

Earlier, around 5 a.m., Israeli artillery struck the vicinity of the Nabih Berri Governmental Hospital in Nabatieh, hitting, among other sites, the building of the Taqaddom al-Mara charitable association.

Israeli troops withdraw south of Khiam

Israeli forces carried out another ground movement in Khiam, in the Marjayoun district, before withdrawing toward Sarda and Amra, south of the town.

Local sources said the maneuver could form part of a broader redeployment of Israeli troops in the area.

Iranian tankers cross US blockade zone, according to TankerTrackers

Iranian oil tankers crossed the area covered by the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, which had been in place for about two months, maritime tracking website TankerTrackers reported, ahead of the signing of an agreement between Tehran and Washington on Friday.

"At least two National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) VLCC supertankers (...) have exited the U.S. Navy blockade perimeter carrying a combined total of 3.8 million barrels of Iranian crude oil between them," the site wrote on X, later reporting that a third Iranian tanker had also crossed.

"These are Iran's first crude oil exports in two months," it added.

TankerTrackers said it analyzed the vessels' AIS transponder signals and cross-checked them Tuesday with satellite imagery.

Heavy fighting between Israeli army and Hezbollah south of Nabatieh

Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters clashed intensely during the early morning hours around the strategic Ali Taher hill southeast of Nabatieh, where Israeli forces continue trying to advance under heavy air and artillery support.

Israeli forces bombarded the area throughout the night and targeted the neighboring localities of Nabatieh Fawqa, Kfar Tibnit, Kfar Joz, Kfar Roummane, Mayfadoun, and Habboush.

According to information relayed by our correspondent, Hezbollah has so far repelled these attempts to advance, notably by using guided missiles against Merkava tanks and Israeli military vehicles.

Iranian military threatens 'severe response' to Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Iran's military threatened a "severe response" to Israeli strikes on south Lebanon despite the announcement of an agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic aimed at ending the war, according to state media.

"If the child-killing army of the Zionist regime does not put an end to its aggression in south Lebanon, it should expect a severe response from the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the Khatam al-Anbiya armed forces command said in a statement carried by state television IRIB.

According to the command, Israel has violated the cease-fire in Lebanon 84 times since the agreement was announced on Monday.

Israeli attacks kill 6 despite truce

Israeli strikes on four different towns in south Lebanon killed six people yesterday, according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the South, despite an ongoing cease-fire, as thousands of displaced residents continued to return home. An unexploded munition killed a seventh person.

Israeli artillery targeted seven localities, all in the Nabatieh district. Israeli forces continued shelling the area intermittently overnight and into the early morning hours.

G7 leaders welcome Iran-US agreement

G7 leaders issued a joint statement welcoming the agreement between Iran and the United States to end the regional war and said they are ready to contribute to its implementation.

Good morning. Thank you for joining today's live coverage of the fragile cease-fires in Lebanon and Iran, and the events in the region.