Khamenei on Iran-US deal: 'I gave my approval despite difference in opinion'; Trump expects 'complete cease-fire on all fronts,' including Lebanon | LIVE

We are now closing our LIVE coverage of the region for the evening. We will be back tomorrow morning with more news updates.

Iran to facilitate passage of ships through Hormuz, according to Supreme National Security Council

Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced in a statement Thursday that the Iranian Authority in charge of managing the Strait of Hormuz would take steps to expedite the issuance of permits to ships wishing to transit the strait, in accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington.

"Mine-clearing measures will be implemented under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, but ships are advised to adhere to the route and schedule set by the authority," the statement, published by state media, added.

Macron calls on Netanyahu to 'show responsibility, rationality' in Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron stated on France 2 television Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "must show a sense of responsibility and rationality" in Lebanon, arguing that the occupation of southern Lebanon "is contrary to Israel's interests in the long term."

"He [Netanyahu] has achieved real security results; he has defended his country against existing threats, and I disagreed with him very early on about what he did in Gaza. But the policy that continues to be pursued in Gaza, the West Bank, and southern Lebanon is contrary to Israel's interests in the long term. Israel's security cannot be guaranteed by the conquest of neighboring territory," he declared.

He also stated that he did not believe the war between the United States and Iran was completely over, despite an agreement signed the previous day in Versailles by U.S. President Donald Trump, who, according to him, had adopted a change of attitude toward Netanyahu.

"President Trump has signaled a change of attitude toward Prime Minister Netanyahu in recent days. And I think that only under this condition can we build peace," he continued. "We are entering a new phase, one of cooperation and dialogue, which is better than war."

Iran deal: Trump says US expects 'complete cease-fire on all fronts'

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States expects “a complete cease-fire on all fronts,” including in Lebanon, between Hezbollah and Israel.

“We encourage all parties in the Middle East to maintain their commitment to allow our negotiations to proceed smoothly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, one day after signing a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending a nearly four-month war with Iran.

'I gave my approval despite [having a] different opinion,' Khamenei says regarding the signing of the Iran-US agreement

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stated that he approved the agreement with the United States signed by President Massoud Pezeshkian, despite his “differences” on the matter.

“As you know, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Presidents of Iran and the United States of America. During the process leading to this stage, the relevant officials made significant efforts, driven by their sincere concern and goodwill,” he wrote on X.

“For my part, I held, on principle, a differing opinion. However, due to the commitment made before me by the Honorable President [Pezeshkian], in his capacity as Chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, on his own behalf and on behalf of the other members of the Council, regarding the preservation of the rights of the Iranian nation and the Axis of Resistance, and his explicit acceptance of this responsibility, I have given my authorization,” he added.

The Iranian head of state assured that future negotiations with the United States will be held “face to face.” “He [Pezeshkian] also clearly stated that if the American side seeks to impose excessive demands, they will not submit to them,” he continued.

He concluded: “From this moment on, we — that is, you, the proud Iranian people, and myself, your humble servant — will await the fulfillment of the aforementioned conditions.”

US military announces it has lifted its blockade of Iranian ports

The US military announced Thursday that it had lifted its maritime blockade of Iranian ports after preventing ships from entering or leaving Iran for more than two months.

"Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President's directives," the U.S. Military Command for the Middle East announced on X, adding, however, that military vessels remain in the area.

Netanyahu calls to preserve 'vital relationship' with Washington after US-Iran agreement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Thursday for preserving the "vital relationship" with the United States following the conclusion of the Iran-U.S. agreement, recalling that Washington had stood "by Israel's side" during the war against Iran.

"The fight is not over, and other challenges await us. They require discernment, a resolute defense of Israel's security interests, and, at the same time, the preservation of our vital relationship with our American friends, a partnership we deeply value," Netanyahu said, according to a statement released by his office.

He also said, as his army had previously done, that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon and maintain a "security zone" there to restore "the security and prosperity of the communities in northern Israel," and this "for as long as security needs require."

Netanyahu did not, however, explicitly mention the U.S.-Iran agreement, which some members of his coalition and his opponents had rejected even before its signing and the publication of its contents on Wednesday.

1 more person killed by an Israeli drone in south Lebanon

An Israeli drone strike targeting the village of Sojod (Jezzine district) killed one person, identified as Mohammad Naim Haidar, reports our correspondent.

This is the fourth person killed by Israeli fire since this morning. This brings the total number of people killed by Israel since the announcement of the new cease-fire last Sunday to 15, according to our count. In addition, a sixteenth person died after an unexploded ordnance detonated while returning to their village.

Another Israeli drone strike hit an open area in Nabatieh Fawqa, which was also targeted by white phosphorus shells, causing a fire in the area.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched another salvo of rockets against Israeli vehicles positioned in the occupied village of Arnoun, in the south of Nabatieh.

Haykal calls on Lebanese officers to prioritize national interest, strengthen military cohesion

During a visit to the Fouad Chehab Command and Staff College, where he addressed officers on the eve of their graduation, the Army Commander-in-Chief, General Rodolph Haykal, affirmed that "the military institution does not sway criticism dictated by narrow interests, as it places the higher national interest above all considerations."

He called on officers to "remain loyal to Lebanon and to their belonging to the institution and the nation, setting aside all other considerations."

He also urged officers to "assume their responsibilities with confidence, remain committed to the values ​​of the military institution, and work with loyalty in service to the country," emphasizing that "the strength and cohesion of the army constitute a fundamental pillar of stability and the protection of Lebanon."

Israel announced it had intercepted rockets fired toward its forces in south Lebanon

The Israeli army stated on X that it had "intercepted several rockets launched toward the area where its forces are operating" in southern Lebanon.

"Several other rockets landed near the forces, without causing any injuries," it added.

US must play effective role in ending war, 'including in Lebanon,' Araghchi asserts

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated during a telephone conversation with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, that the United States has a responsibility to play "an effective role" in ending the war and hostilities on all regional fronts, "including in Lebanon."

According to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi discussed the provisions of the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" with the French Foreign Minister, emphasizing that Washington must contribute to ending the fighting in the region.

The Iranian minister also highlighted the opportunities this agreement would offer for developing relations between Iran and France, particularly in the economic and trade sectors. He called on the international community and multilateral institutions, especially the U.N. Security Council, to support its implementation and the resulting peace processes.

For his part, Barrot reaffirmed Paris's support for the diplomatic route and the memorandum of understanding, emphasizing the importance of seizing this opportunity to strengthen peace, stability, and lasting security in the region.

Both officials also stressed the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the security and stability of this strategic waterway are essential for international trade and peace.

Israeli drone strike targets the Jezzine district

An Israeli drone targeted the Jabal al-Rafih area in the Jezzine district, according to our correspondent in the South.

Pakistani prime minister's visit to Switzerland postponed after electronic signing of Iran-US deal

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has postponed a planned visit to Switzerland on Friday, the day the agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East was to be signed, his spokesman told AFP on Thursday, the day after the agreement was electronically signed remotely.

"The planned visit has been postponed because the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has already been electronically signed [by the United States and Iran], has entered into force, and is now being implemented," said Mosharraf Zaidi, adding that Pakistan, the mediating country, would support the next step at the "technical level."

Army is expanding its demining operations in southern Lebanon

Specialized Lebanese Army units have conducted several demining and defusing operations involving unexploded Israeli munitions in recent days, the army said in a statement.

These operations are taking place in the following locations: Harouf, Kfour (Nabatieh district), Srifa, Maaroub (Sour), and Kfar Dounin (Bint Jbeil district).

These munitions, including missile warheads, "have been transferred to secure sites for further processing, as part of the army's ongoing efforts to eliminate unexploded ordnance and suspicious objects," the statement concluded.

JD Vance: 'We want the Lebanese state to ensure the security of the south of the country'

“Ultimately, we want the Lebanese government to ensure the security of the south of the country,” said U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Thursday during a press conference at the White House.

“What we want to see is the Lebanese government, the elected representatives of the Lebanese people, to be able to ensure the security of southern Lebanon, so that Hezbollah does not control the country, so that the Israelis do not feel threatened, and consequently, so that Israel no longer carries out attacks against either southern Lebanon or Beirut,” he said.

The U.S. Vice President also stated that “attacks against civilians in Beirut are unacceptable” and that “the Israelis must respect this peace process” between Washington and Tehran.

This statement comes a few hours after Israel announced its intention to maintain its occupation of southern Lebanon despite the agreement, by publishing a new, more extensive version of its "buffer zone."

Hezbollah claims responsibility for series of attacks against Israeli forces in Kfar Tibnit-Ali al-Taher area in recent days

Hezbollah issued a statement detailing several operations carried out in recent days in the Kfar Tibnit and Ali al-Taher areas.

The group claims that "the Israeli enemy army has been attempting for four days to advance towards the village of Kfar Tibnit and the Ali al-Taher area via several routes."

According to the statement, after observing the infiltration of an Israeli infantry unit at 8 a.m. yesterday as it attempted to position itself on the northeastern heights of Kfar Tibnit, Hezbollah fighters targeted the unit with Ababil drones, causing "casualties among its members." The attack then continued, according to Hezbollah, with rocket fire and artillery barrages.

The movement also claims that at 1:50 a.m. this morning, while the Israeli army was attempting to regroup in the al-Maabar area, a Merkava tank was targeted.

Finally, Hezbollah indicates that the Israeli army remains deployed on the southern outskirts of Kfar Tibnit, in the direction of Arnoun, adding that the Kfar Tibnit-Ali al-Taher area "will remain impenetrable to any enemy incursion."

Aoun receives delegation for negotiations with Israel in Baabda

President Joseph Aoun received members of the delegation tasked with conducting direct negotiations with Israel this afternoon at the Baabda Presidential Palace. The delegation included its head, former ambassador Simon Karam, and the army commander-in-chief, General Rodolph Haykal.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, particularly in light of the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, as well as preparations for the next round of Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations scheduled for June 23-25 ​​in Washington, D.C., according to a statement from the presidency.

Aoun also conveyed his directives to the delegation ahead of this new round of talks.

The statement specifies that the Lebanese position is based on five fundamental principles: a complete and definitive cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied territories, the deployment of the Lebanese Army to the international borders, the return of Lebanese prisoners and the launch of the reconstruction process.

Netanyahu: Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon 'as long as [its] security needs require it'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel “will maintain the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as our security needs require it,” referring to the more than 600 square kilometers of Lebanese territory occupied by Israeli troops along the border, according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

Regarding Iran, Netanyahu also declared that Israel would continue to “adhere to the supreme objective” of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

South Lebanon: Four residents of Shehabieh have been missing since Monday

The families of four residents of the village of Shehabieh (Sour district) have had no news of their loved ones, who have been missing since Monday, according to a statement relayed by our correspondent.

One of the family members suggests that the four young men may have been arrested by the Israeli army, noting that no airstrikes or drone activity were reported at the time and that no trace of them has been found so far.

The Israeli army has not commented on the matter.

The families added that no Lebanese official has yet contacted them, "contrary to what is circulating on social media." "As families awaiting the return of our sons in pain and anguish, we call on the competent authorities to make every effort to shed light on their fate as soon as possible," the statement reads.

According to information previously reported by local sources, the group was walking towards the Safad al-Battikh area (Bint Jbeil district) before all contact was lost.

Fighting continues between Israel. Hezbollah in Kfar Tibnit

New exchanges of fire between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters have been reported in KFar Tibnit, on the southern outskirts of Nabatieh.

Several salvos of Israeli artillery fire targeted the village, while Hezbollah reported targeting a Merkava tank near the village as it attempted to advance.

Health Ministry reports 28 killed, 17 injured by Israel in 24 hours

The Health Ministry reported in its latest official update that it had recorded 28 additional deaths and 17 injuries in the past 24 hours, as Israeli airstrikes continue in southern Lebanon despite the recent announcement of a new cease-fire.

This brings the total number of victims of Israeli bombing since the resumption of the war in Lebanon on March 2nd to at least 3,912 killed and 11,873 wounded.

US-Iran agreement: Nuclear weapons offer no advantage in talks, says ICAN

The agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East proves that nuclear weapons offer no strategic advantage, concluded the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).

ICAN hopes that governments will “draw the right conclusion from a war in which nuclear weapons have proven to be both dangerous and strategically irrelevant,” according to a statement.

The agreement, intended to halt a conflict that has shaken the global economy, was signed Wednesday by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and lays the groundwork for detailed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and the easing of sanctions against Tehran.

A family evacuated from Nabatieh Fawqa

An Israeli army drone dropped a stun grenade toward a family that had just arrived in front of their home in the town of Nabatiyeh Fawqa. The family took shelter inside before being evacuated to the city of Nabatieh by rescue teams.

The Israeli army has recently been attempting to advance in the Nabatieh region, north of the Litani River, despite the cease-fire in place.

Nuclear weapons brought no advantage in US-Iran negotiations, says an NGO

The agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East shows that nuclear weapons provide no strategic advantage, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) said on Thursday.

ICAN urged governments to “draw the right conclusion from a war in which nuclear weapons have proven both dangerous and strategically irrelevant,” according to a statement.

The deal aimed at halting a conflict that has shaken the global economy was signed on Wednesday by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian. It lays the groundwork for detailed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and on easing sanctions against Tehran.

A pickup truck targeted in western Bekaa

A pickup truck was struck in an attack carried out by an Israeli army drone in the town of Ain Tineh, in western Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region.

Qatari mediator hails a 'solid foundation' for next phase of Iran–US negotiations

Qatar, which has acted as a mediator, welcomed the signing last night by Donald Trump and Massoud Pezeshkian of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, describing it as a “solid foundation” for the next phase of negotiations.

Clearing and search operations launched in Kafra

Rescuers from the Islamic Health Committee, affiliated with Hezbollah, have launched clearing and body search operations in the town of Kafra (Bint Jbeil), which has been repeatedly targeted by the Israeli army in recent weeks.

Israel targets Lebanese Army, rescue workers, and residents in Haddatha

The Israeli army targeted Lebanese Army, rescue workers, and civilians in Haddatha (Bint Jbeil) while they were searching for bodies under the rubble or inspecting homes.

An Israeli remote-controlled vehicle moved toward them, while gunfire targeted an excavator. Heavy fire was also heard again as some people attempted to clear an earth mound erected by the Israeli army, causing panic among residents.

Rescue teams then escorted residents out of the village, while the excavator stopped its work.

Iranian President praises 'historic' agreement with US to end war

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian praised on Thursday a “historic” agreement with the United States to end the war in the Middle East, a day after the document was signed by Donald Trump and himself.

“This is a historic document and a message from a powerful Iran: peace will be established in mutual respect,” the president said on social media.

Israeli army publishes a new map of its 'operational zone' in southern Lebanon, wider than the previous one

The Israeli army has released a map of its “operational zone” in southern Lebanon, via Arabic-language military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, covering a wider area than the one previously claimed by Israel.

The boundary line of this Israel-imposed zone extends to areas that the Israeli army has recently taken control of or is continuing to advance toward, and which were not included in the previous “buffer zone,” including Majdal Zoun in the Sour district in the eastern sector, as well as the Ali Taher hills southeast of Nabatieh.

In his message accompanying the map, Avichay Adraee stressed that this “security” zone extends “up to approximately 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory.”

Iran says its missile program is not on the negotiating table

Iran said on Thursday that its missile program is not part of the upcoming negotiations with the United States, a day after the signing of a memorandum of understanding to end the war in the Middle East.

“Iranian missiles are meant to be fired, not negotiated,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmael Baghaei in an interview with state television. “Iran’s defense capabilities will not be subject to any discussions, in any way, with anyone.”

Roads in south Lebanon reopened by residents and Lebanese Army toward several villages in the Bint Jbeil district

Residents of Haddatha (Bint Jbeil) were able to access the village square and eastern neighborhoods under the escort of the Lebanese army and rescue teams from the Islamic Scouts (al-Rissala, affiliated with the Amal Movement) and the Islamic Health Committee (Hezbollah’s emergency services), according to our correspondent. Work is underway to recover bodies from the rubble and reopen additional roads. Clashes had taken place around and inside Haddatha between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, which had sought to take control of the locality located north of the “buffer zone.”

In addition, bulldozers from the municipalities of Shaqra and Debbieh (Bint Jbeil) have begun clearing and reopening roads in those villages.

A body recovered near Lake Qaraoun in the Bekaa

The body of a Syrian man killed in an Israeli strike on May 26 near Lake Qaraoun in the Bekaa was recovered this morning. That day was marked by heavy Israeli strikes along the road bordering the lake.

The body was transported by the Islamic Health Committee (a Hezbollah-affiliated rescue organization), according to our correspondent in the region.

A French LNG vessel crosses the Strait of Hormuz, a first since the start of the war

A French-flagged liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier has exited the Gulf by crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, following the signing of an agreement paving the way for an end to the conflict in the Middle East that had disrupted this strategic maritime route, according to MarineTraffic data.

The Mraikh, owned by the Nantes-based subsidiary of Norway’s Knutsen OAS Shipping, is carrying 76,535 tons of LNG loaded in Ras Laffan, Qatar, and is headed to Port Qasim, Pakistan, according to ship-tracking platform Kpler. This comes a day after the U.S. and Iranian presidents signed a memorandum of understanding in which Tehran committed to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump: those who criticize the Iran agreement are 'fools' and 'either jealous, bad people, or stupid’

Donald Trump on Thursday denounced, on his social network Truth Social, those criticizing the memorandum of understanding signed the previous day with Iran to end the war, saying it is too favorable to the Islamic Republic.

“These fools, who think I haven’t been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are “tumbling” down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid,” he wrote.

Iran/US agreement: 'First negotiations' still scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, Bern says

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that “first negotiations” will take place on Friday near Lucerne (central Switzerland) on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.

“At present, it is still planned that the United States and Iran, as well as the mediators Pakistan and Qatar, will meet tomorrow at the Bürgenstock to begin the first negotiations on the implementation of the agreement,” the ministry said, clarifying uncertainty surrounding the meeting, which had been announced on Tuesday at a luxury hotel in Bürgenstock, a mountain overlooking Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland.

Israeli drone strike on Kfar Tibnit kills 2 more; 1 person killed in Zibdin

The death toll from the earlier reported drone strike on a car in Kfar Tibnit, southeast of Nabatieh, has risen to two after the injured person succumbed to their wounds, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon, Mountasser Abdallah.

In addition, another drone strike on Zibdin, a town located directly west of Nabatieh, killed the driver of the targeted vehicle.

Israeli Foreign Minister says he is breaking off all contact with the EU’s foreign policy chief

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that he is “breaking off all contact” with the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. The decision comes in protest against recent statements attributed to Kallas in which she compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.

In a message on X, Saar said Ms. Kallas shows “blatant bias” toward the State of Israel and criticized the fact that no “denial, clarification or response” had been issued by the European diplomat regarding the statements attributed to her. He said he would suspend all contact with Kaja Kallas until she retracts them.

Last Friday, the Brussels-based media outlet Euractiv reported that the EU official had made these remarks during a closed-door meeting while on a visit to Mexico in May.

Israel in talks with US over continuing its Lebanon troop deployment, Reuters reports

Israel is holding negotiations with the U.S. as it seeks to continue its deployment of troops in southern Lebanon, two Israeli officials including a senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Reuters.

The senior Israeli official said that Israel was "conducting stubborn negotiations" with Washington over continuing its deployment of troops in southern Lebanon.

He added that Israel would not back down on its positions, including keeping troops deployed in the area south of the Litani River.

A second Israeli official told Reuters that the outcome of the talks would ultimately depend on whether U.S. President Donald Trump "decides to force the issue" by threatening repercussions if Israel does not abide by the interim Iran pact's terms.

Two injured in a drone attack in Beit Yahoun

An Israeli army drone dropped a bomb on the town of Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil) targeting civilians, injuring a Lebanese national and a Syrian, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon, Mountasser Abdallah. In addition, another drone targeted an area between Haddatha and Haris (Bint Jbeil).

Oil prices drop more than 3% after US/Iran agreement signing

Oil prices continued to decline on Thursday at the end of Asian trading, falling more than 3% in a market reassured after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which includes, among other measures, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

At around 06:25 GMT, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down 3.40% at $74.18 per barrel, while Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell 3.02% to $77.15.

US/Iran agreement: IAEA says it is ready to move forward with 'concrete measures'

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Thursday it is ready to begin defining the “concrete measures” that will need to be taken following the signing of the agreement between Iran and the United States, which provides for the dilution of Iranian uranium stocks under the organization’s supervision.

“Now it is up to us to sit down with our American and Iranian counterparts and begin defining the concrete measures that will need to be taken” as part of negotiations to be held within 60 days, said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, speaking to the press in Geneva.

Beijing 'welcomes' Iran and US agreement to end hostilities

Beijing said it welcomes the American and Iranian presidents' signing of a memorandum of understanding providing for the immediate cessation of hostilities, and called on both sides to make compromises in the next phase of their negotiations.

The signing “has a positive significance for easing tensions and strengthening the ceasefire momentum. China welcomes this development,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. “China hopes that both the United States and Iran will approach the second phase of negotiations in a rational and pragmatic manner and make reciprocal concessions,” he added during a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Overnight exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli army in Nabatieh area

Shortly after 1 a.m., information from our correspondent indicated that Hezbollah attempted to bring down an Israeli helicopter conducting a reconnaissance mission near the strategic Ali Taher hill in the Nabatieh district using machine-gun fire.

According to local sources, the helicopter was targeted by a surface-to-air missile, forcing it to withdraw from the area. Several missiles were also fired at Israeli vehicles near Kfar Tibnit. Hezbollah did not claim responsibility for these attacks.

Elsewhere in the Nabatieh district, the towns of Kfar Roummane, Habboush, and Kfar Joz were targeted by artillery fire after 2 a.m., causing fires. At midnight, Israeli forces fired machine guns toward the Wadi al-Slouki area and the outskirts of the town of Houla (Marjayoun).

On Wednesday, the Israeli air force bombed two localities in south Lebanon. Drones and helicopters targeted three areas in three different towns, while seven towns came under artillery fire.

Hezbollah, for its part, did not claim any attacks during the day, although rocket fire on Israeli positions was observed at least once in the Nabatieh area.

South Lebanon: 1 killed, 1 seriously injured in a drone strike between Kfar Tibnit and Nabatieh

The fragile calm that had prevailed overnight from Wednesday to Thursday was broken this morning shortly before 9 a.m., when an Israeli military drone fired a missile at a car at the roundabout connecting Kfar Tibnit and Nabatieh, killing one person and seriously injuring another, according to our correspondent. Artillery fire then targeted Nabatiyeh Fawqa, which was struck by several missiles, according to our South Lebanon correspondent, Mountasser Abdallah.

At 7 a.m., a powerful explosion was heard in Doueir (Nabatieh). The blast was caused by unexploded ordnance left over from the Israeli offensive on the Doueir–Hay al-Kreimat road. The explosion sparked a vegetation fire that was quickly extinguished by Civil Defense.

These incidents occurred in the Nabatieh area, which remains at the center of fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli army despite the ceasefire that is officially in force under the agreement concluded last Sunday between Iran and the United States.

Israeli soldier killed in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army announced this morning the death of one of its soldiers the previous day during an incident in southern Lebanon in which seven other soldiers were wounded. The soldier, a 29-year-old master sergeant, “fell in combat in southern Lebanon,” the army said in a statement. The seven others suffered moderate or minor injuries.

Trump signed MOU with Iran from Versailles; Pezeshkian signed from Tehran

After the G7 summit, Donald Trump was invited to dinner at the Palace of Versailles by French President Emmanuel Macron and signed the memorandum of understanding with Iran later that evening. Under the memorandum, Tehran commits to immediately reopening the Strait of Hormuz and, as part of future negotiations, to diluting its enriched uranium in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.

The signing was initially scheduled to take place in Geneva but was ultimately conducted remotely, with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian signing the document on Iran’s behalf in Tehran.

Trump praises his 'great partnership' with Netanyahu; Lebanon a 'very small piece of the puzzle that still makes a lot of noise'

Donald Trump yesterday praised his “amazing partnership” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the G7 summit in France, a shift in tone after his sharp criticism the previous day.

"Bibi is a good man. He gets a little excited sometimes. But we have an amazing partnership. We are the big partner and he is the very small partner," Trump said, according to remarks cited by AFP.

“We have a little dispute about Lebanon,” Trump acknowledged, as Iran is demanding that Israel halt its strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"I ‌say you can do a little softer touch, ⁠Bibi. ⁠You don't have to knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that's from Hezbollah," Trump added.

The U.S. president also promised a “parallel” discussion with Gulf countries regarding ballistic missiles.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of developments in Lebanon, where fighting continues in the Nabatieh area between Hezbollah and Israeli forces attempting to seize a strategic hill overlooking the region.

We will also be following developments across the Middle East after the U.S. and Iranian presidents signed a memorandum of understanding between their two countries remotely on Wednesday evening, launching 60 days of negotiations aimed at ending more than three months of war and tensions.

Catch up with our live coverage from Wednesday here and with today's Morning Brief here.