Iran delegation leaves talks after Trump threats; Hezbollah chief says Israeli army presence in south Lebanon ‘impossible’ | LIVE

Iran warns US to ‘weigh its words’ as tensions rise in Switzerland talks

Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned the United States to “weigh its words” following threats by Donald Trump during ongoing talks in Switzerland.

“They would do better to weigh their words; our armed forces are ready to respond in other ways,” Ghalibaf said on X, in an apparent response to Trump’s remarks urging Tehran to restrain its allies in Lebanon.

Iranian delegation leaves talks venue after Trump threats, Tasnim reports

The Iranian delegation has left the negotiations venue in protest over Trump’s statements, according to Iran’s state-linked Tasnim news agency, citing a source.

A member of the delegation said that “if the war does not end in Lebanon, negotiations on other issues will not take place.”

The same source added that procedures regarding the release of frozen Iranian assets have been initiated with Qatari mediation, noting that a final draft has been prepared on sanctions waivers for Iranian oil exports, with issuance expected soon.

Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem says group will respond to any Israeli violations

The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, said in a televised address that the group would respond to any violations committed by Israel.

He added that the continued presence of Israeli forces on Lebanese territory is “impossible” and that “there are no security zones for Israel.”

He also stressed that the Lebanese army is the only force responsible for deploying across the country and safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty, saying Hezbollah cooperates with it in this role.

Hezbollah rejects Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon

The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, rejected the idea of an Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon after Israel said it intends to maintain its army in the area.

In a televised address, he said the continued presence of Israeli forces on Lebanese territory is “impossible,” adding that “there are no security zones for Israel.”

He stressed that only the Lebanese army is responsible for safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and said Hezbollah cooperates with it in this regard.

Naim Qassem says Hezbollah will respond to any Israeli violations

The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, said that Israel will not remain in Lebanon and warned that the group will respond to any violations committed by Israel.

His remarks come as Israeli officials maintain that their forces retain freedom of action to eliminate threats in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire that entered into force on Friday.

Iran condemns Trump’s threats during Switzerland negotiations

Iran has condemned recent threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump, as talks between Tehran and Washington continue in Switzerland under Qatari and Pakistani mediation.

Iranian officials denounced the remarks as pressure tactics aimed at influencing the negotiations, according to state-linked messaging.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions focused on the implementation of the existing U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding and the situation in Lebanon, while the nuclear file has so far not been addressed, according to Iranian state media.

Lebanese Army chief Haykal inspects troops in south Lebanon combat zones

The commander-in-chief of the Lebanese army, General Rodolph Haykal, conducted an inspection tour in south Lebanon, visiting troops deployed in Nabatieh, Nabatieh Fawqa, Kfar Roummane, Shoukine, Zrarieh, and the outskirts of Kfar Tibnit.

These areas have recently experienced intense Israeli bombardment and/or clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

According to an army statement, Haykal was briefed on “operations carried out by units, the challenges they face, and Israeli aggressions and violations.”

He stressed the importance of measures taken to ensure the safety of residents in areas affected by Israeli attacks, and highlighted the role of the Lebanese army across the country, particularly in the south, saying the institution “enjoys the trust of the Lebanese people.''

Energy Secretary says 67 ships passed Strait of Hormuz amid tensions

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that 67 ships transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, with the U.S. military guiding vessels through a southern shipping lane that he said had been heavily mined by Iran.

Speaking on Fox News Sunday, he said: “What we’re demonstrating to the Iranians is we can have flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz with or without them.”

Wright also downplayed the impact of sanctions waivers granted to Iran under a preliminary agreement, saying they make it easier for Tehran to sell oil to more countries but noting that Iran was already exporting over one million barrels per day to China before the war.

Netanyahu says Israel will never allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will maintain its military presence in southern Lebanon “as long as necessary,” amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States in Switzerland aimed at ending regional conflict.

Speaking at a memorial ceremony for his brother, who was killed in combat in 1976, Netanyahu said Israel would remain in what he called a security zone in southern Lebanon to protect residents in northern Israel.

He also stressed that, regardless of diplomatic developments, Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, saying: “As long as I am prime minister of Israel, this will not happen.”

Iran state TV says talks in Switzerland paused; no nuclear issue discussed

Iran’s state television reported a pause in negotiations in Switzerland between Iran and the United States, held under the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar.

It said that the Iranian nuclear program was not discussed during the first session of talks.

“No negotiations concerning the Iranian nuclear program took place during the 80-minute first round of talks,” the broadcaster said, adding that discussions so far focused on implementing the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, as well as the situation in Lebanon.

Trump tells Fox News Iran’s Pezeshkian ‘better watch his mouth’

In a Fox News interview, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying he should “better watch his mouth.”

“He better shape up or we’ll take over the rest of the country,” Trump was quoted as saying.

He also claimed he would have leverage after a 60-day negotiation period, adding: “I have a 60-day option and I can do whatever I want after that option.”

Israel PM says troops to stay in south Lebanon 'as long as necessary'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon "as long as necessary", while also vowing to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

"We will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the cherished residents of the north and all the citizens of Israel... Nothing will alter that commitment," Netanyahu said.

"And with regard to Iran: whatever political developments may unfold, I will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. As long as I serve as prime minister of Israel, that will not happen."

Hezbollah denounces planned direct Lebanon–Israel talks in Washington

The Hezbollah group launched a sharp criticism of the upcoming direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations scheduled to take place in Washington on Monday, saying the process amounts to “obeying U.S. dictates” and undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty.

It said the negotiations serve only to align Lebanon with what it called “normalization with the Zionist occupation,” and added that no positive outcome should be expected.

Hezbollah further stated that the talks are “based on a flawed and suspicious premise” aimed at “submission and surrender,” and condemned repeated rounds of direct negotiations with Israel.

The group also warned that such discussions could obstruct what it described as “resistance efforts” on the ground, accusing Lebanese authorities of failing to properly represent national interests.

It argued that continuing direct negotiations would violate Lebanon’s constitution and national pact, calling them a concession to U.S. and Israeli pressure.

End of first round of Iran–US talks in Switzerland

A first round of discussions between Iran and the United States in Switzerland has concluded, a source close to the negotiating team told Reuters.

Over 4,100 killed since March 2, health ministry says

The Emergency Operations Center at the health ministry has released a new toll from the war between Hezbollah and Israel.

Despite a cease-fire that has been more or less observed since Saturday at 4 p.m., the death toll has now reached 4,106, with 12,153 wounded since March 2.

Trump warns Iran over Strait of Hormuz, threatens US control if deal fails

President Donald Trump told Fox News that he had spoken with unidentified Iranian officials overnight and warned them not to close the Strait of Hormuz.

“You close it and you won’t have a country,” he said he had told the officials.

On Saturday, Iran claimed it was closing the strait over the fighting in Lebanon, though the U.S. military said ships continued to pass through the waterway, which carried about a fifth of global oil supply before the war began.

In a phone interview with Fox, Trump said the United States “may take over the strait if we have to” if a final deal is not reached with Iran. In that case, he said the U.S. would collect 20% of the oil as a toll.

Lebanese Army continues operations to neutralize unexploded ordnance, statement says

Specialized units of the Lebanese Army have continued “their operations to neutralize unexploded Israeli aerial bombs” in Tibnin and Khirbet Selm (Bint Jbeil district), as well as Majdal Selm, Dibbin and Blat (Marjayoun district), the army said in a statement.

The Lebanese Army also announced that its personnel have “worked to reopen main and secondary roads” in Dibbin and Blat. It reiterated the call of its commander-in-chief, General Rodolphe Haykal, urging residents to “delay their return to southern border villages and towns and comply with the instructions of deployed military units, in order to ensure their safety in light of risks of cease-fire violations and Israeli attacks.”

Lebanon cease-fire is fragile, says Israeli army chief of staff

Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the ceasefire in Lebanon is fragile and that forces must maintain a high level of readiness in case fighting resumes, Reuters reported.

He also said Hezbollah is in a “very difficult position,” according to a military statement.

“Hezbollah has suffered a severe and significant blow,” Lieutenant General Zamir said during a visit on Sunday to troops deployed in southern Lebanon, adding that the army is ready “to continue its operations to prevent its reconstruction.”

Fadlallah: Lebanon is the starting point of Switzerland talks, and we will benefit from it

MP Hassan Fadlallah welcomed the fact that the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon is “a prerequisite for the ongoing negotiations in Switzerland” between Iran and the United States.

“The Islamic Republic has made it clear to us that there would be no negotiations before a cease-fire, and no agreement before the withdrawal of the enemy army from Lebanon,” he said.

Referring to direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, a new round of which is set to take place Monday in Washington, he questioned “what leverage the [Lebanese] authorities have, what capabilities they possess, what they intend to negotiate, and what concessions they are ready to make.”

Hezbollah has opposed these direct talks since the first rounds in April, arguing that Lebanon should be part of the broader regional negotiations.

Fadlallah addressed Lebanese authorities, saying that “the Resistance [Hezbollah] is not with them, and a large part of the population is not either, while the Islamic Republic stands with us, supports our cause and stands by Lebanon.”

He called on the authorities “to take advantage of this major asset,” referring to Iran, adding that “this country does not seek to replace the Lebanese state.”

Trump warns Iran to rein in Hezbollah or face renewed US strikes

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran must “immediately” stop its proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble, warning that Tehran could face renewed military action if it fails to do so.

“If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again — even harder than we did last week,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump threatens Iran over Hormuz, warns of strikes if Hezbollah not contained

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to escalate against Iran if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Washington could “take over the strait” and even impose tolls on oil shipments.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump warned Iran in stark terms, saying it would face severe consequences if it kept the strategic waterway closed, and suggested the U.S. could act as a “guardian” of the strait.

He also warned Tehran that if it does not restrain Hezbollah in Lebanon, the United States would respond forcefully. “Iran must immediately stop its highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we will strike Iran again very hard — even harder than last time,” he said on Truth Social.

Trump added that the current memorandum of understanding is only a temporary cease-fire extension, stressing he retains broad options after a 60-day window.

He further voiced frustration with Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, saying it had failed to decisively defeat the group.

Trump committed to ‘full regional cease-fire,’ says Vance

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said there has been “significant progress” in recent days toward maintaining the cease-fire in Lebanon.

He added that President Donald Trump is committed to achieving a full regional cease-fire.

Vance acknowledged that such ceasefires are often “a bit messy,” but said the ongoing technical talks — even if they do not resolve every disagreement — will allow the parties to sit down together as teams for the first time.

Vance: Trump asked us to turn over 'a new leaf' in ties with Iranian people

U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Sunday said President Donald Trump has asked to turn over "a new leaf" to transform the U.S relationship with Iran and that the technical talks that are starting in Switzerland would allow for both sides to sit together and work to resolve issues.

First strikes in south Lebanon since yesterday 4 pm

Two Israeli drone strikes targeted the outskirts of Farah, in Nabatieh Fawqa, as well as the roundabout of Kfar Tibnit (Sour district), as Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief Rodolphe Haykal was visiting Nabatieh, according to our correspondent in the south.

Security sources told our correspondent that the munitions used were dropped bombs, not fired missiles.

Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Lebanon cease-fire is respected, Iranian source says

The Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until the cease-fire in Lebanon is respected and exemptions allowing Iranian oil sales are granted, a source close to the negotiating team told Tasnim news agency.

Iran begins talks with US and Qatar over Lebanon and frozen assets

Iran has begun discussions with the United States and Qatar on Lebanon and on unfreezing its frozen assets, according to Iranian state television, as reported by AFP.

There is no restriction on Israeli soldiers in Lebanon in face of threats, Katz says

There was and is no restriction on Israeli soldiers to act to eliminate threats in Lebanon, with troops remaining in positions in the security zone, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on Sunday.

Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people in Lebanon on Saturday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported, a day after a cease-fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah took effect after months of escalating violence.

NYT: US and Pakistani delegations meet as talks begin in Switzerland, amid Lebanon tensions

The American delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, has greeted the Pakistani delegation, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and their meeting has begun, according to the White House pool report, cited by the New York Times.

The report said JD Vance ignored a reporter’s question about whether he had a message for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding military operations in Lebanon, which are seen as an immediate hurdle to the negotiations with Iran.

Pezeshkian says Iran will not give up uranium enrichment

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Sunday that Iran is not seeking to acquire a nuclear bomb, while insisting on its right to continue uranium enrichment ahead of talks with the United States scheduled later in the day in Switzerland.

“This is nothing new, and we can also state in writing that we have no intention of building a bomb,” he said, according to the Iranian presidency website.

“However, we will not give up our right to enrichment,” he added, noting that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to which Iran is a signatory, guarantees this right for civilian purposes.

Movement of Israeli forces reported in the Kfar Shuba heights

According to our correspondent, and despite the cease-fire in place since yesterday, witnesses reported around midday movements of Israeli troops in the Kfar Shuba heights (Arkoub), near positions held by the Israeli army. Drones were also seen flying over some villages in the Zahrani area (Saida).

JD Vance: We hope for progress on Iran nuclear file and Lebanon cease-fire

Before departing the United States for Switzerland on Saturday, Vice President JD Vance said he hoped “progress will be made on the Iranian nuclear issue and on the ceasefire in Lebanon.”

Answering journalists’ questions, he said these would be “the two most important issues” to be discussed with the Iranian delegation, adding that he would only remain in Switzerland for a day or two. On Lebanon, he said the U.S. administration is continuously working to manage the fragile ceasefire in the interest of both sides.

A Nabatieh resident gestures to indicate the extent of the damage in his city

A resident of Nabatieh gestures to indicate the extent of the damage in his city. The cautious calm in the region has allowed some people to return to the town to inspect the destruction, even as the municipality of the city had called for caution. (

Iran official says ‘we enter negotiations with power and caution’

Hojjatoleslam Abdollah Haji Sadeghi, the main representative of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said that “negotiation is not the primary option” with the United States.

“We will enter negotiations with power and caution, but we are not passive,” Sadeghi was quoted as saying in a post on Telegram.

He added that “our primary option is the field of jihad, whether on the battlefield or in the streets,” stressing that they are not worried about the negotiations failing. “We have not gone into negotiations out of desperation or helplessness,” he said.

Body recovered from rubble in Nabatieh

A team from the al-Rissala rescuers (Amal) said they have recovered a body from the rubble of a building in the city of Nabatieh Fawqa.

The body of the person, killed in an Israeli bombardment, was transported to al-Najda al-Shaabiya hospital in the city, according to our correspondent.

Strait of Hormuz remains closed, Iranian military source says, reports Fars

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, according to a military source cited by Iran’s Fars news agency.

The navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has not granted any authorization for vessels to transit through the strait until further notice, the same source said.

Iran’s FM Spox says Lebanon cease-fire will be central in Switzerland talks with US – IRNA

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that today’s meeting in Switzerland is a continuation of the implementation phase of the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States, according to IRNA.

He added that the United States has been unable to ensure a cease-fire in Lebanon, stressing that this issue will be central to the discussions taking place in Switzerland.

Pakistani mediators arrive in Switzerland for US-Iran talks

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the head of the military, Asim Munir, arrived in Switzerland on Sunday for talks over the Middle East war, Sharif's office said.

"Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will participate in the High-Level Talks on the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," the Prime Minister's Office wrote on X, referring to the U.S.-Iran deal to end the war.

Hezbollah to hold mass funerals for fighters killed in south Lebanon

Funerals are expected to be held for around t20 Hezbollah fighters in the Sour area. The group is set to bury 22 of its members killed during the fighting in south Lebanon.

Calm extends to strategic Ali Taher heights after intense fighting

No military activity has been reported around the Ali Taher heights, south of Nabatieh. The calm in south Lebanon extends to the axis leading to the hill, which had been the main battlefield in recent weeks. The situation on the ground appears frozen.

Israel has been seeking to capture the hill, accusing Hezbollah of maintaining major military infrastructure, weapons stockpiles, and underground networks there. The heights overlook the surrounding area, giving them strategic importance.

On Saturday, before the cessation of hostilities, intense fighting took place along this axis, while Israeli aircraft heavily struck the Rihan heights in the Jezzine district, considered support positions for the defense of Ali Taher.

First prolonged lull in 110 days as strikes halt in south Lebanon

Calm prevails in south Lebanon, where no Israeli attack has been reported since 4 p.m. on Saturday. For the first time since the war began 110 days ago, the situation is quiet.

Since yesterday afternoon, no airstrikes, artillery shelling, or major violations have been reported. Only a few drones have been seen flying at high altitude over some southern localities.

Residents remain cautious, however, fearing a possible resumption of Israeli attacks. Saturday’s escalation killed between 40 and 45 people, according to a provisional toll. The city of Nabatieh and several villages have urged displaced residents not to rush back home.

Up until 4 p.m. Saturday, the south had been hit by 97 strikes targeting 42 villages, mainly in and around Nabatiyeh, as well as the Rihan heights in Jezzine. Hezbollah, for its part, did not claim any military operations during that period.

JD Vance: Lebanon cease-fire and Iran nuclear talks take priority in Switzerland

The cease-fire in Lebanon and Iran’s nuclear program are at the heart of the talks in Switzerland.

JD Vance said the discussions are expected to last “a few days,” adding that he would only be able to stay in Switzerland “for a day or two.”

“I hope we will make progress on the nuclear issue and on the ceasefire in Lebanon. These are the two main points we will focus on,” he told reporters.

The talks are taking place at a luxury hotel in Burgenstock, overlooking Lake Lucerne. Preparatory discussions began on Saturday, according to Swiss authorities, while Tehran confirmed “technical” talks between Iranian and U.S. officials on Sunday.

US–Iran talks open in Switzerland despite early tensions

Talks between the United States and Iran are set to begin in Switzerland.

The negotiations, aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, come four days after the signing of a memorandum of understanding already under strain.

They are expected to last 60 days and focus on Iran’s nuclear program. Even before starting, obstacles have emerged, including continued fighting in Lebanon despite a clause calling for a comprehensive cease-fire, and Iran’s announcement of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response.

JD Vance arrived early Sunday morning at Emmen air base near Lucerne, according to his spokesperson. The Iranian delegation arrived Saturday evening and includes Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi, and Abdolnaser Hemmati.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose mediation helped secure the June 17 agreement, is also on his way to Switzerland.

Fragile calm in Lebanon as high-stakes talks resume in Switzerland

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of developments in Lebanon and the Middle East, as U.S.–Iran talks are set to resume this Sunday in Switzerland.

This diplomatic step comes alongside a fragile calm on the ground in south Lebanon, where no attacks have been reported since Saturday evening.

Tehran has conditioned the launch of the 60-day negotiations with Washington on a total ceasefire across the Middle East, including the Lebanese front. After two days of Israeli escalation in south Lebanon and the Bekaa since Friday, Iran announced Saturday it would close the Strait of Hormuz.

Emergency session on Lebanon added to Switzerland talks agenda

According to CBS News, the negotiations in Switzerland will open with an “emergency session” on the conflict in Lebanon. This session was added to the agenda due to the continuation of Israeli strikes in recent days, which had initially delayed the talks, as Tehran refused to participate without a comprehensive regional cease-fire.