Families of 4 missing men hold sit-in outside Grand Serail
Families of four Lebanese men who went missing on June 15 in areas under Israeli control in south Lebanon staged a sit-in outside the Grand Serail, demanding answers on their fate.
The men, Ali Qashmar, Mohammad Hassan, Hadi Rakkeh and Jawad Bazzi lost contact while returning to their villages after the cease-fire.
Speaking for the families, Rima Qashmar urged authorities to make the case a priority, saying: “Our sons are not just missing persons, they are pieces of our hearts.”
The “Freedom Call” campaign said the lack of information raises legal and humanitarian concerns, calling on the state to act urgently through all available channels.
Israel–Lebanon talks in Washington yesterday ended 'without progress,' Axios reports
The first day of the new round of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington ended “without any progress” and even showed “a retreat on some points,” according to Axios, citing two sources familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, representatives of the Israeli army and the Lebanese Army took “opposing and rigid” positions on the scope of Israel’s withdrawal from south Lebanon, as well as on the “pilot areas” where the pullout would begin.
One of the sources also said the discussions were “ugly” at times, while Israeli officials acknowledged disagreements but maintained that the overall atmosphere remained “pleasant.”
U.S. mediators have therefore decided to “essentially restart the talks from scratch” on Wednesday, in the hope that both sides will soften their positions, Axios reported.
Trump says Iran is making 'big concessions'
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran is making very big concessions.
"We're winning by a lot. Iran is making very big concessions. We'll see what happens," Trump told reporters.
Israeli army claims drone strike that killed 2 in Kfar Roummane
The Israeli army said in a statement on X that it opened fire on “wo suspects” who crossed a “security zone” near the Ali Taher hill, referring to a drone strike that killed two men in Kfar Roummane near Nabatieh. The victims were identified as Mahmoud and Ahmad Assili.
“Recently, a vehicle carrying suspects who crossed the security zone in the Ali Taher area and posed a threat to Israeli forces was detected. After identification, the air force struck the suspects to neutralize the threat,” the statement said.
The Israeli army has repeatedly opened fire in recent days on people approaching the so-called “yellow line,” which marks the Israeli-controlled area in south Lebanon, killing several people despite the cease-fire.
Rubio says US will be 'completely aligned' with Gulf allies in Iran talks
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Washington would be "completely aligned" with its allies in the Gulf as it pursues negotiations with Iran aimed at finding a permanent settlement to the Middle East war.
"We're going to be completely aligned with our partners in the Gulf. That's why we're meeting with all of them tomorrow," he said, adding the U.S. would "engage them on conversations about every decision that's made with regards to this negotiation."
Salam receives British parliamentary delegation at Grand Serail
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received a British parliamentary delegation on Wednesday at the Grand Serail, led by the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Emily Thornberry.
Talks focused on ways to strengthen British support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, according to the state-run National News Agency.
The British lawmakers reaffirmed their “solidarity with Lebanon,” stressing support for consolidating the cease-fire, ensuring the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and establishing the state’s exclusive control over weapons.
Rubio says 'no country' supports imposing fees on Hormuz Strait
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that he believed all countries were against Iran imposing fees for transiting the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
"I know of no country on the planet that supports tolling or fees for the use of the strait," Rubio said during a tour of the Gulf to reassure close U.S. allies who were hit hard by Iran during the Middle East war.
Joumblatt warns against 'any manipulation of the army’s doctrine'
Druze leader and former Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) chief Walid Joumblatt said in a post on X that the Lebanese Army must not have its doctrine “manipulated,” amid U.S. and Israeli pressure on Lebanon to revive efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
“To recall that only the Lebanese Army is responsible for the country’s security and the South, and that only the cease-fire agreement governs relations between the Lebanese state and Israel,” he said.
“In this context, we warn against any attempt to manipulate the army’s doctrine, under any pretext or mission, amid this chaos surrounding agreements, from the Gulf to Switzerland,” he added.
Health ministry reports 19 additional deaths in past 24 hours
The health ministry said in its daily update that 19 additional deaths were recorded over the past 24 hours, as several wounded victims succumbed to injuries from previous Israeli attacks.
This brings the total toll since the resumption of hostilities on March 2 to 4,211 killed and 12,173 injured.
The ministry also confirmed two people killed in an Israeli drone strike that targeted a car in the afternoon in Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh district).
'There was a deadlock yesterday' in Lebanon–Israel talks in Washington, Issa says
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Issa says new difficulties emerge Tuesday in talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington.
“There was a deadlock yesterday between the two delegations, but we hope it is resolved today,” he tells Al-Jadeed.
Issa says new difficulties emerge Tuesday in talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington.
“There was a deadlock yesterday between the two delegations, but we hope it is resolved today,” he continued.
Israel will not withdraw from south Lebanon 'as long as I am prime minister,' says Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army will not withdraw from the “buffer zone” it occupies in south Lebanon as long as he remains in office.
“As long as I am prime minister, we will maintain the security zone in southern Lebanon,” he said, according to remarks reported by Haaretz.
“The greatest achievement of Israel in this war is having overcome fear. We will be the first in the world to solve the problem of explosive drones [from Hezbollah],” he added.
“We were the target of a horrific attack during the Oct. 7 massacre. When we launched the campaign against Hamas, people told me: ‘Prime Minister, stop, do not go into Rafah.’ Today, we control nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip and we are suffocating Hamas,” he added.
New Israeli strikes on south Lebanon
Israeli drones continued to fly over several areas of south Lebanon on Wednesday, as a new strike was reported in Nabatieh Fawqa.
The strike hit an area between the monastery and post office districts, according to our correspondent.
Israeli artillery fire also targeted the village of Yater in the Bint Jbeil district.
Kfar Roummane victims of latest Israeli strike identified
The two men killed in an Israeli drone strike earlier today in Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh district), south Lebanon, have been identified as residents of Saksakieh (Saida district).
According to our correspondent, the victims are Mahmoud and Ahmad Assili.
Israel fires on fishing boat off Sour, south Lebanon
Israeli forces opened fire on a fishing boat off al-Amiriya, south of Sour, targeting a vessel about 1,000 meters from the “yellow line” imposed by Israel in south Lebanon, port sources told our correspondent.
No injuries or damage were immediately reported, but the incident raised tension among fishermen in the area.
Israeli drone strike kills 2 in car in south Lebanon
Israeli strike in Kfar Roummane. (Credit: Photo provided by our Muntasser Abdallah)
An Israeli drone strike targeted a car in the Dabash area of Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh district), near the Ali Taher hill — a site of heavy fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces before the cease-fire.
The vehicle caught fire, and its two occupants were reportedly killed, according to our correspondent.
Earlier, Israeli soldiers opened fire at two vehicles nearby in Nabatieh Fawqa, close to the “yellow line” imposed by Israel in south Lebanon.
Trump claims receiving assurances from Iran that no tolls will be levied in the Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he has received assurances from Iran that no tolls will be imposed on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, whilst negotiations continue with a view to securing a lasting end to the regional war, reports Reuters.
In a message posted on his Truth Social account, Trump said the following:
"Iran has informed the U.S. that, despite troublemaking Fake News reporting to the contrary, there are “NO TOLLS, NO INSURANCE COSTS, & NO OTHER CHARGES OF ANY KIND BEING SOUGHT OR RECEIVED BY IRAN ON SHIPS TRAVELING THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ. If this is false information, negotiations would end, immediately! Additionally, no money has been given to Iran, or released from their money to them, by the U.S. We will be releasing some of their money, that is totally controlled by us, to our Farmers and Ranchers, for the purchase of Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, and more. Food is desperately needed in Iran, and we will be purchasing it for them exclusively from the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Tehran has, however, stated on several occasions that it plans to charge what it describes as "maritime service fees" for passage through the strait, rather than tolls. This plan is strongly opposed by the United States.
Iran and Oman stated on Tuesday that they would examine the costs that might be charged for services relating to the administration of the Strait of Hormuz, whilst affirming their sovereignty over this sea route.
Rubio discusses agreement with Iran with the President of the United Arab Emirates
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the memorandum of understanding reached with Iran, the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of maintaining peace in the region during a meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the U.S. State Department said, according to Reuters.
Reconciliation talks planned between Iran and Gulf states in Saudi Arabia
Talks aimed at fostering reconciliation between the Gulf states and Iran are due to take place in Saudi Arabia, a diplomat familiar with the preparations told AFP on Wednesday.
According to this source, a summit aimed at restoring relations between the Gulf states, Iran, and possibly other neighboring countries in the region, in the context of the post-war situation in the Middle East, is due to take place in Riyadh. However, no date has been specified.
The diplomat added that these meetings would be separate from the negotiations currently under way between the United States and Iran.
Qatari PM in Oman to prepare for talks between Iran and Gulf states on Strait of Hormuz
The Qatari Prime Minister traveled to Oman on Wednesday to prepare for talks between Gulf states, Iraq, and Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, a diplomat familiar with the negotiations told AFP.
These talks are separate from the negotiations between Washington and Tehran, the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified. He also mentioned separate discussions due to take place in Saudi Arabia with a view to reconciliation between Iran and the Gulf states.
Beirut will not accept the Israeli army remaining 'neither in five nor in two positions in southern Lebanon'
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized to visitors that whilst Beirut had indeed been informed of the creation of this working group in Switzerland, “the Washington process is separate” from the Iran-U.S. talks.
“We agreed to take part in the negotiations in Washington because it is the least costly option for Lebanon. Will we reach an agreement? No one can know the outcome of negotiations in advance. But we know exactly what we expect from them: Israel’s complete withdrawal,” he added, stating that Beirut will not accept “the continued presence” of Israeli forces “neither at five nor at two locations” on Lebanese territory. According to him, “it is normal for the Israelis to propose security arrangements, and we will examine which of these are acceptable and which are not.”
On the issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament, Salam stated that he was asking Hezbollah “only to honor its commitments… made in 2006 when the government undertook to implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701,” which brought an end to a month-long conflict between the movement and Israel, and then in 2024 “through the cease-fire agreement. ”
“We are not seeking to monopolize arms to satisfy Israel. This is a purely Lebanese issue, on which there is a consensus and whose implementation has been delayed for far too long, ever since the Taif Agreement” in 1989.
Israeli Defense Minister: Army will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, even if US demands it
Speaking at an exhibition in Tel Aviv, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel would not withdraw from southern Lebanon “even if there were a U.S. request to that effect,” adding that the 200,000 displaced Lebanese residents “will not return,” reports Haaretz.
“There will be neither civilians nor terrorists,” Katz said. “Why? Because what happened in the past in the security zones where there was also a civilian population was that there were explosive devices and attacks on soldiers. Therefore, we will not allow that. Soldiers inside, residents outside. The infrastructure has been destroyed; the houses are dangerous and in ruins. We are not withdrawing.”
“We have achieved significant results, starting with the terrible blow of Oct. 7,” the minister continued. “Since then, the entire nation, the leadership and the army have acted with great determination. I cannot think of any situation in which, had it not been for that terrible blow, anyone would have gone to deal with the tunnels in Gaza.”
Katz also stated that Israel would not withdraw from the territories it had captured in Syria either. “That is our security doctrine. The Israeli army must be on the enemy’s side and protect communities from within the territory itself.”
IAEA chief says inspections in Iran will go ahead; details being finalized
The U.N.’s top nuclear official has said that inspections will soon be carried out in Iran following an interim peace agreement between the United States and Iran, but that the details have not yet been finalized, Reuters reports.
Last week, the two sides signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding setting out general principles aimed at ending the war. This interim agreement has paved the way for 60 days of negotiations designed to resolve the most complex issues, particularly those relating to Iran’s nuclear program.
“The inspections will indeed take place,” said Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), during a press conference in Japan, an audio recording of which was published online by the IAEA.
“We will be working out the details very soon — dates, procedures, and locations,” he added, referring to the discussions with Tehran.
Israel fires at 2 vehicles in Nabatieh Fawqa; no casualties reported
The Israeli army fired earlier today at two vehicles in Nabatieh Fawqa (Nabatieh), one in the Couvent neighborhood of Nabatieh Fawqa and the other near the Lebanese Army barracks, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon. The shooting is reported to have injured a child.
Meanwhile, an Israeli drone fired a stun grenade at a van on the outskirts of Braasheet (Bint Jbeil), injuring a child according to our correspondent, whilst Israeli fighter jets continued to fly over Saida.
Aoun calls for Lebanon-Israel negotiations to be separate from Iran; ‘Pilot zones’ on the agenda
President Joseph Aoun has once again emphasized the importance of viewing the negotiations in Washington — conducted directly between Lebanon and Israel and focused on consolidating the cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal — as “separate” from the talks between Iran and the U.S.
Speaking to a delegation of British MPs, Aoun stated that “efforts are continuing to consolidate the cease-fire in the south."
According to him, this must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied territories and the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the south, the return of forcibly displaced persons to their homes, the release of Lebanese prisoners in Israel and the launch of the reconstruction process — all objectives that the authorities have been emphasizing for months.
Aoun went on to say that discussions must continue in Washington, and that they cover several topics, including “the security measures necessary to restore stability in the South and to extend the State’s authority to the internationally recognized southern border.”
In this context, the issue of “pilot zones,” from which Israel must withdraw to allow the Lebanese Army to deploy there, “remains under consideration” and is awaiting “approval from the Israeli side.”
Earlier today, Israeli officials told Reuters that Israel wants Lebanese soldiers to be sent to these areas to be trained by the United States and have their backgrounds checked.
Aoun went on to emphasize that “the negotiations” between Lebanon and Israel are “separate from the conclusions of the meetings held in Switzerland last week between the United States and Iran, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan."
Following several hours of meetings in Switzerland, the two mediators issued a statement announcing, amongst other things, the creation of a “de-escalation cell” for the conflict between Hezbollah and the Israelis.
Ghalibaf: Ending war in Lebanon 'just as important' for Tehran as ending war in Iran
The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has stated that ending the war in Lebanon is “just as important” for Tehran as ending the war in Iran, reports AFP.
Ghalibaf, who is also Iran’s chief negotiator, asserted that the countries of the region should be the sole ones to determine the political and security order in the Middle East, rejecting any external involvement and calling for greater regional cooperation, reports Reuters.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made these remarks during a meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, at a time when Iran and the United States are seeking to reach a lasting peace agreement.
His remarks were broadcast on Iranian state television.
Pakistan announces that US-Iran technical talks will resume 'next week'
Technical talks between the United States and Iran will resume “next week,” Pakistan has announced. Pakistan is mediating in this process aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, reports AFP.
“The talks will resume next week, I think on Tuesday,” said Tahir Andrabi, spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Affairs Ministry, during a press briefing, also mentioning the possibility that these talks — the first round of which took place earlier this week in Switzerland — could resume next Monday or Wednesday.
⚡ For Iran, the agreement reached with the United States is 'America’s declaration of defeat'
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Iran and the United States to end the war is “America’s declaration of defeat,” said the head of the Iranian negotiating team, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as reported by AFP.
“The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding is not the result of pressure or coercion, but rather of the resistance and determination of the courageous Iranian nation,” Ghalibaf said during a conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, which was broadcast on Iranian television.
“That is why the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has come to be seen as a declaration of defeat for America,” said Ghalibaf, who is also Speaker of Parliament, adding that security in the Middle East must henceforth be ensured by the countries of the region.
Israel, Lebanon discuss US-backed proposal for transfer of some southern territory to Lebanese Army
Talks between Lebanon and Israel include discussion of a U.S.-backed proposal for Israeli forces to hand over some of the territory they have invaded and occupied during the war on Lebanon to the Lebanese military, according to Israeli and Lebanese officials.
The Israeli officials said the Lebanese troops involved would undergo U.S. training and vetting to ensure they are not linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah, while Israel would maintain a military presence in a buffer zone along the border.
The proposed "pilot" project is being discussed in the latest round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials, which got underway in Washington on Tuesday.
Rejected by Hezbollah, this diplomatic track has been overshadowed as Tehran has made Lebanon a focal point of its negotiations with the U.S.
Asked about the Israeli officials' comments, a senior Lebanese security official said discussions were ongoing in Washington and that Wednesday would see specific military-to-military discussions, including on the envisioned "pilot zones."
Read more here.
Top US diplomat kicks off Gulf tour in shadow of Iran-US talks
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Wednesday as he kicked off a tour of the Gulf countries hit hardest by Iran's attacks in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 that sparked a regional war with global repercussions.
Rubio arrived in Abu Dhabi late Tuesday and was scheduled to hold closed-door talks with Sheikh Mohamed before flying to Kuwait and then Bahrain, where he will attend a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting on Thursday.
The trip is seen as a gesture of solidarity with the three countries, targeted by thousands of Iranian drones and missiles during the war.
Speaking on Tuesday, Rubio said he intended to discuss the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding with Gulf leaders, which does not address Iran's missile program and proxies — two long-standing Gulf concerns.
Rubio insisted that no country is allowed to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz after Oman and Iran, which border the waterway, said they were considering charging "costs" for navigating the key exit route for Gulf oil and gas.
"It's an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. That's existing international law," he said as he arrived in the United Arab Emirates capital.
Read more here.
Qatari Prime Minister: Israel's response in Lebanon ‘disproportionate’
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdelrahmane al-Thani has described Israel’s response in Lebanon as "disproportionate."
Although Israel and Hezbollah are accusing each other of being responsible for the clashes, the Israeli response is "disproportionate," said Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdelrahmane al-Thani.
“The Israeli government has escalated the conflicts instead of defusing them and seeking to act constructively and responsibly,” he told the Financial Times.
Qatar to resume normal liquefied natural gas production 'within few weeks,' PM tells affected countries
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdelrahmane al-Thani, has stated that the Gulf state will resume normal liquefied natural gas (LNG) production “within a few weeks,” the Financial Times reported.
In an interview with the Financial Times, he said that establishing a direct line of communication ("a hotline") between the United States and Iran was essential to enable the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
QatarEnergy suspended its LNG production after the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran on Feb. 28, following a drone attack on its massive Ras Laffan complex.
Analysis: Washington opens the door for Iran’s return to Lebanon, Doha insists on Arab influence
Lebanon made progress during the U.S.-Iran negotiations, even before the Lebanese-Israeli talks, being conducted under U.S. sponsorship, advanced.
This reinforces the fact that the Lebanese issue remains closely tied to the Iranian one, particularly since it was this process that compelled Israel to accept a cease-fire and a gradual withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
The Lebanon-Israel negotiations taking place in Washington now appear to be an extension of the U.S.-Iran dialogue.
The information emerging about the discussions and their possible outcome suggests that Iran has succeeded in reasserting its role in managing regional affairs, notably through linking the Lebanese issue to its own.
This is reflected in the consolidation of the cease-fire, the establishment of a follow-up mechanism, the discussions surrounding an Israeli withdrawal, and, ultimately, reconstruction.
The most significant announcement concerns the creation of a committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of the conclusions reached at the Switzerland meeting. It brings together Pakistan, Iran, the United States, Qatar, and Lebanon. Its membership could later be expanded to include other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, France, and Egypt.
But the mere fact that Washington and Tehran will sit together on a body tasked with overseeing the Lebanese issue amounts to an explicit acknowledgment of Iran’s role, contradicting previous American calls to keep the region’s various issues separate.
This does not, however, mean abandoning the direct Lebanese-Israeli negotiating track under U.S. mediation.
While Iran succeeded in securing the cease-fire, the primary objective of the Lebanese-Israeli talks is now to address the issue of an Israeli withdrawal and establish a timeline.
Read Mounir Rabih’s article on these talks here.
US, Iran at odds on nuclear inspections, frozen assets in deal to end war
U .S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran had agreed to nuclear inspections into "infinity," while Tehran said it had made no such concession in negotiations, raising questions about the viability of their fragile peace deal.
The two countries, which ended a first round of negotiations in Switzerland on Monday, also offered conflicting accounts about financial incentives for Iran, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel's parallel war on Lebanon — all major aspects of their framework deal signed last week aiming to end the war.
Nevertheless, Trump said negotiations with Iran were going smoothly. "We're getting along quite well," he said at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Read more here.
Calm prevails in southern Lebanon since Tuesday night
Calm has prevailed across all regions of southern Lebanon since last night, with no notable incidents reported, according to our correspondent in the region.
At around midnight, however, several Israeli soldiers were seen near a building on the outskirts of the village of Nabatieh Fawqa (Nabatieh), according to eyewitnesses reports.
Movements of Israeli military vehicles were also observed in Khiam (Marjayoun), heading towards the infamous civil-war era detention center south of the town and towards its highest point.
Hello and welcome to our live news blog
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of events in Lebanon and the wider region.
In Lebanon, the "cease-fire" agreed to as part of the Iran-U.S. deal has mostly held, with southerners returning tentatively but defiantly to their homes and local civil defense teams busy clearing rubble and searching for missing bodies trapped beneath buildings destroyed by Israeli strikes.
Following relative calm since Saturday evening, Israel violated the truce numerous times on Tuesday, killing two people who had returned to inspect their homes in Nabatieh Fawqa and targeting a vehicle in Braasheet (Bint Jbeil).
Since last night, relative calm has once again prevailed in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon-Israel direct talks are currently underway in Washington, expected to last until Friday.
Meanwhile, Iran and the U.S. are presenting their conflicting views regarding the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear inspections.
Catch up on everything you might have missed out on in our Morning Brief here.
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