Israeli strike on Nabatieh Fawqa injures 2 rescue workers | LIVE

Latest developments in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army carried out two major explosions on houses in Serbine (Bint Jbeil), whilst opening fire with machine guns towards the village.

Meanwhile, artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Hadatha, in the direction of Rshaff, whilst an Israeli drone fired a stun grenade on the village before further artillery bombardments targeted it once again. Another stun grenade was also fired on Mansouri.

US House passes symbolic Iran war rebuke to Trump

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a largely symbolic resolution Thursday calling for President Donald Trump to halt military action against Iran, delivering another congressional rebuke as the Middle East war sharply escalates.

The measure — which passed 214-208 after four Republicans joined opposition Democrats in support — directs Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes the war.

But as a concurrent resolution, it does not go to the president for signature and carries disputed legal force, meaning Trump is almost certain to ignore it.

The vote came after the United States launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, its 12th consecutive night of attacks, while Iran has fired on U.S. bases and U.S.-allied Gulf states.

Read more here.

Health ministry reports 1 killed, 1 injured by Israeli attacks in Lebanon over past 24 hours

In its latest official tally, the health ministry said it recorded one death and one injury over the past 24 hours, bringing the number of people killed to 4,329 and the number of wounded to 12,233 in Israeli attacks since the start of the Israeli offensive on March 2.

Three bodies recovered in Zawtar Gharbieh after hours-long search operation

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of three people from the town of Zawtar Gharbieh on Thursday, after hours of search operations under difficult field conditions, according to our regional correspondent.

A source within the rescue teams said the recovery operation required strenuous efforts due to the nature of the site and the surrounding circumstances before rescuers were able to reach the victims and evacuate their bodies.

Search operations in the town are still ongoing.

Israeli army carries out major house demolitions in Kfar Tibnit

The Israeli army carried out extensive demolitions of houses in Kfar Tibnit, in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent in the south.

Three bodies recovered in Zawtar Gharbieh after lengthy search operation

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of three people killed in Zawtar Gharbieh, one of the pilot zones where the Lebanese Army is deploying, after several hours of search operations under difficult field conditions, according to our correspondent in the south.

A source within the rescue teams told L’Orient-Le Jour that the recovery operation required major efforts due to the difficult terrain and circumstances surrounding the intervention. Rescuers eventually reached the victims and evacuated their bodies. Search operations are still ongoing in the area.

Gulf states and Jordan condemn continued Iranian attacks on their territories

The member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan condemned what they described in a joint statement as Iran and its allies' "blatant aggression" against their territories.

The seven countries said Iranian attacks targeting their territories, citizens and civilian infrastructure have continued uninterrupted since Feb. 28. They added that the attacks intensified after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17, particularly against Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, targeting energy facilities, desalination plants, ports, airports and other civilian infrastructure.

The seven states said the repeated attacks constitute "acts of blatant aggression" in violation of the U.N. Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, U.N. Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), and Iran's commitments under the memorandum of understanding.

They called on the U.N. Security Council to urgently adopt a resolution demanding an immediate halt to the Iranian attacks, recognizing the affected states' right to self-defense and considering further measures should the systematic attacks continue.

Trump 'close' to decision on 'massive attack' on Iran, Axios reports

President Trump told Axios on Thursday that he's seriously considering restarting major combat operations in Iran — including strikes that would be bigger than the ones carried out during Operation Epic Fury.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," the president said. Trump said Israel "would join in two minutes if I ask them to," but added that "we don't need anybody" to launch a new operation against Iran.

He also said there would be "consequences" for Israel joining the strikes, hinting at Iranian retaliation against Israel.

IAEA says awaiting US-Saudi request on nuclear deal verification

The U.N. nuclear watchdog is aware of a U.S.-Saudi plan to ask it to carry out verification work in relation to the nuclear cooperation deal they are discussing, but has yet to receive a request from them, it said on Thursday.

"We look forward to receiving the request for such verification and to working with the U.S. and KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) in ensuring the implementation of those measures," the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement.

Middle East 'on the brink of the unimaginable,' UN chief warns

The war in the Middle East is "out of control" and "on the brink of the unimaginable," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned during a Security Council meeting.

"The situation is out of control. It is on the brink of the unimaginable. The region is trapped in an ever-widening cycle of confrontation. One crisis fuels the next. One escalation leads to another," he said. "As this dynamic spreads, political objectives are increasingly being overshadowed by confrontation itself. It is time to step back.

Israeli strike injures 2 Islamic Health Authority Civil Defense medics, damages rescue vehicle

“While an Islamic Health Authority Civil Defense team was carrying out its humanitarian duties inspecting the site of the first strike in the al-Bareed neighborhood of Nabatieh Fawqa, Israeli forces targeted the vicinity where the medics were operating,” the Authority, affiliated with Hezbollah said in a statement.

“The attack resulted in two medics sustaining minor injuries, in addition to damage to the team’s ambulance vehicle,” the statement said.

“We pray for the swift recovery of the injured medics and affirm that these attacks will not deter us from carrying out our humanitarian mission. Our teams will continue providing assistance to those in need, treating the wounded, and fulfilling their humanitarian responsibilities with dedication and commitment,” it concluded.

Israeli army carries out major demolitions of homes in Kounin

The Israeli army carried out a large-scale demolition operation targeting homes in the town of Kounin in the Bint Jbeil district, while intermittent artillery shelling continued to target the Ali Taher heights, according to our correspondent in the south.

Israeli strike in Nabatieh Fawqah injures 2 Islamic Health Authority Civil Defense medics, damages rescue vehicle

“While an Islamic Health Authority Civil Defense team was carrying out its humanitarian duties inspecting the site of the first strike in the al-Bareed neighborhood of Nabatieh Fawqah, Israeli forces targeted the vicinity where the medics were operating,” the Authority, affiliated with Hezbollah said in a statement.

“The attack resulted in two medics sustaining minor injuries, in addition to damage to the team’s ambulance vehicle,” the statement said.

Our correspondent in the south had reported earlier the strike on the vehicle on the main road between Nabatieh al-Fawqah and Dar al-Muallimeen (Nabatieh).

Israel carries out explosion in Kfar Tibnit, shells Ali Taher

Israeli forces carried out an explosion in Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), while Israeli artillery shelled Ali Taher Hill, according to our correspondent in the south.

Iran’s foreign ministry condemns UK over use of British bases in US strikes

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the UK’s decision to let the U.S. use British bases and facilities for military strikes against Iran, calling it a violation of the U.N. Charter and international law.

“Such action could constitute participation in an act of aggression against Iran,” the ministry said, adding that assisting U.S.-Israeli attacks amounts to complicity in aggression and war crimes.

The ministry accused the UK of siding with the aggressors rather than condemning them, and cited past UK actions against Iran, including the 1953 coup.

Iran said it will defend its sovereignty, and warned any country aiding attacks will bear the consequences.

Netanyahu responds to the nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia

In a post on X, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Saudi Arabia's potential accession to the Abraham Accords, sought by Washington, as historic. The United States has made this a condition for concluding an agreement aimed at developing a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom.

"The joint military operations of the United States and Israel against Tehran's 'genocidal regime,' together with Israel's crushing of Iran's 'terror axis,' have created the opportunity to expand the circle of peace. As President Donald Trump has stated, Saudi Arabia's accession to the Abraham Accords would constitute 'a historic turning point for peace in the Middle East,'" Netanyahu's office said.

Southeast Asia calls for 'unimpeded' passage through the Strait of Hormuz

Southeast Asian countries, gathered in the Philippines, defended freedom of navigation on Thursday and called for an “unimpeded” passage through the Strait of Hormuz in a joint statement issued after their discussions.

The statement by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), whose members have been affected by fuel shortages, also urged restraint from the United States and Iran following the resumption of hostilities between them, which could have serious economic consequences for Asia.

During a visit to Manila, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned ASEAN countries on Wednesday that allowing Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz — a vital maritime route for global energy trade — would create a “dangerous precedent.”

The ASEAN statement, released Thursday, defended “freedom of navigation and overflight in the straits.”

It specifically called for “the restoration of safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage for ships and aircraft through the Strait of Hormuz.”

The blockade of the strait following Israeli-American strikes on Iran in late February triggered a global energy crisis and caused oil prices to surge.

Iran slams the United States’ 'irrational' and 'domineering' attitude

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday condemned what he described as an “irrational” and “domineering” attitude by the United States, following 12 consecutive days of U.S. attacks on Iranian territory and Iranian retaliatory strikes in the Middle East.

“The problem lies in America’s approach — an irrational, excessive, and domineering approach that has led to a strong response from our side,” Abbas Araghchi said in a statement to state television, on the sidelines of a visit to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Trump says Saudi nuclear deal contingent on recognizing Israel

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that a nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia was "totally subject" to Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords recognizing Israel.

Washington brokered the Abraham Accords during Trump's first term, seeking to build bridges between Israel and the Arab world.

The deal to establish a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia "will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Read more:

Trump says Saudi nuclear deal contingent on recognizing Israel

Kuwait says a drone targeted its side of the border with Iraq

Kuwait announced on Thursday that a drone had targeted its side of the border with Iraq, causing no casualties. A Kuwaiti official told AFP that it was an Iranian attack.

“The Al-Abdali border post was attacked this afternoon by hostile drones, causing material damage, but fortunately no casualties,” Colonel Saud Abdelaziz Al-Atwan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, said in a statement.

An Iraqi security source had also confirmed the incident to AFP before the Defense Ministry’s statement was released.

Palestinian ministry accuses Ben Gvir of ‘seeking to ignite a religious war’

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday, leading hundreds of Israelis, including settlers, in a move that breached the decades-old status quo governing the site, The Guardian reported.

Accompanied by heavy police protection, Ben Gvir posted a video on Telegram saying: “Look at what’s happening here – Jews are praying and feel that they are the rightful owners here.”

The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments and Affairs accused Ben Gvir of “seeking to ignite a religious war,” according to The Guardian.

Iran’s Baghaei slams US’s policy of ‘collective punishment’

The US administration “intends to sacrifice whatever remains of international humanitarian law and the foundations of human ethics and civilisation to its insatiable appetite for war and slaughter,” the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said, in comments relayed by Al Jazeera.

He claimed that Washington follows “a policy that calls for the destruction of bridges and power plants, which is manifestly unlawful and criminal.”

“It constitutes reprisal and collective punishment – both of which are explicitly prohibited as war crimes under international humanitarian law,” the Iranian official added.

He urged military personnel to refuse unlawful orders and said Iran would stand firmly “against lawlessness.”

Bodies of killed people recovered from Zawtar Gharbieh as rescue teams continue search

The bodies of people killed have been recovered from the town of Zawtar Gharbieh (Nabatieh) after several medical and rescue teams from the Lebanese Red Cross, the Islamic Risala Association’s medical service,affiliated with Amal Movement, and the Islamic Health Authority, affiliated with Hezbollah, entered the town, L’Orient Today’s correspondent in the south reported.

There is currently no information available on the number of bodies that have been retrieved, and the teams are still working at the scene as of this moment, according to our correspondent.

Pakistan’s PM condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi ships, pledges support for Riyadh

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he told the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, that he condemns the Houthis’ attacks against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

“Such actions are unacceptable, violate international law, threaten freedom of navigation, and undermine regional peace and security,” Sharif said in a statement on X.

Pakistan, Sharif said, stands “firmly and resolutely” with the Saudi leadership.

Far-right Israeli minister Ben-Gvir visits Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa Mosque compound

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday, a highly sensitive site, and praised Jewish visitors who, according to him, had prayed there in violation of arrangements that reserve prayer at the site exclusively for Muslims.

His visit drew condemnation from Jordan and Palestinian officials.

Located in Jerusalem’s fortified Old City, the compound is one of the most sensitive religious sites in the Middle East. Known to Jews as the Temple Mount, it is the holiest site in Judaism, while it is also the third holiest site in Islam.

Under a long-standing and delicate arrangement with Muslim authorities, the site is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation. Jews are allowed to visit, but they are not permitted to pray there.

Salam chairs meeting on return of south Lebanon residents

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held a meeting Thursday at the Grand Serail to discuss ways to facilitate the return of residents to south Lebanon.

The meeting was attended by Higher Relief Committee Secretary-General Bassam Naboulsi, South Council President Hashem Haidar and Disaster Management Unit chief Zahi Chahine.

The latest conflict, which began on March 2, 2026, displaced more than one million people from south Lebanon. Returning residents face several challenges, including continued Israeli occupation and widespread destruction.

Salam said his visit to Zawtar Gharbieh the previous day, where he raised the Lebanese flag in the town, aimed to show that “the state will not only recover occupied territories but will also be present in these areas with the residents.”

He added that the army’s deployment would be accompanied by the restoration of roads and basic services, with temporary housing provided until reconstruction is completed.

Oman works to revive Yemen talks after Houthi strike on Saudi vessel

Oman said Thursday it was working to revive diplomatic talks between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, a day after a Houthi attack targeted a Saudi vessel in the Red Sea.

Oman’s foreign ministry said it was closely monitoring developments in the Red Sea and coordinating with Riyadh, Yemeni parties and the U.N. special envoy for Yemen to restart the political process and seek greater regional security and stability.

Iran vows to continue strikes as long as it is attacked

Iran’s military said Thursday it would continue targeting U.S. positions in the Middle East as long as Washington carries out attacks against Iran, following a 12th consecutive night of hostilities between the two countries.

“The retaliations of the armed forces will continue as long as the American attacks against the country’s infrastructure and coastal areas persist,” army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said, according to state television.

Jordan says it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones

Jordan said Thursday it had intercepted Iranian missiles and drones over the past 24 hours, after Tehran claimed it had destroyed U.S.-used military equipment in the country and struck American sites in Kuwait.

The Jordanian army said it intercepted three missiles targeting its territory on Thursday morning, while six drones were intercepted Wednesday night. No casualties or damage were reported.

Israel kills fig picker, continues setting fire to homes and targeting towns across southern Lebanon

• Haitham Mohammad al-Daoud, a resident of the al-Sharifa neighborhood in Habboush (Nabatieh), was killed after an Israeli strike targeted his vehicle at around 5:30 a.m. on the Maidaneh road in Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh). He was working as a seasonal fig picker.
• At dawn, the Israeli army carried out explosions in the town of Haddatha (Bint Jbeil district) and set fire to several homes in the town of Qsair (Marjayoun district). The Israeli army also set fire to homes in the town of Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh.)
• An Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade over the town of Mansouri (Sour), near the al-Sayyad residential area.
• The Israeli army carried out an explosion in the town of Tayr Harfa (Bint Jbeil.)
• Random Israeli gunfire struck the Serail neighborhood in the city of Nabatieh. One bullet hit the Hamdani building in the commercial market, shattering the window of an apartment, while another landed in the meat market and a third struck a car in the Serail neighborhood.
• Hezbollah is set to hold funerals today for four of its fighters, with one funeral each in the towns of Sour, Majdal Zoun (Sour), Touline (Marjayoun), and Safad al-Battikh (Bint Jbeil).

Civil defense teams deploy alongside army in Zawtar Gharbieh 'pilot zone'

(Credit: Mohammed Yassine/L'Orient Today)

Civil defense, the Islamic Health Committee and the Red Cross deployed Thursday alongside the Lebanese Army in the Zawtar Gharbieh "pilot zone," where army engineering units are already present, according to L’Orient-Le Jour’s correspondent in south Lebanon.

The Islamic Health Committee has data on people missing or believed to be buried under the rubble in the heavily bombarded village. It will assist with demining operations, rescue efforts and the recovery of bodies from collapsed buildings.

Residents were not yet expected to return to the village, as the army and aid groups must first ensure the area is clear of unexploded ordnance.

Hezbollah MP says ‘pilot zones’ are areas Israel failed to occupy

Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah said the “pilot zones” agreed under the Lebanon-Israel framework deal are areas of south Lebanon that Israel “failed to occupy,” rejecting the idea that the deployment in Zawtar Gharbieh represented an Israeli withdrawal.

Under the agreement, the Lebanese Army is expected to deploy in the areas and dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure as a condition for an Israeli pullback.

“What happened is only a reinforcement of the Lebanese Army’s deployment in liberated villages and areas that the enemy failed to occupy thanks to the blood of our martyrs and the sacrifices of our fighters,” Fadlallah said.

He accused Lebanese authorities of presenting the move as a “fake achievement” and said Israel had failed to disarm Hezbollah by force, adding that “the resistance” would remain committed until Lebanon’s territory is liberated.

Hezbollah and its ally Amal have rejected direct negotiations with Israel and the framework agreement that resulted from them.

Rubio says Iran is ‘begging’ for a deal but will pay higher price

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that Iran was “begging” for a deal with Washington but was not ready to agree to one it would respect.

“Iran is begging us, OK, both directly and indirectly. Let's do a deal. Let's talk. Let's talk. Iran is begging every day,” Rubio told reporters on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila.

“The problem with Iran is every time they make a deal, the people that are in charge there, they either break it or they want to change it,” he said.

TotalEnergies profits double as Middle East war drives energy prices

French energy giant TotalEnergies said Thursday its second-quarter net profit doubled to $5.4 billion, up from $2.7 billion a year earlier, as the Middle East conflict pushed up oil and gas prices.

“In a high-price environment related to the conflict in the Middle East, TotalEnergies is capitalising on its integrated model and diversification,” CEO Patrick Pouyanné said.

The company also credited higher production from projects in Brazil, the United States and Libya for supporting its results.

Rubio says ‘price on Iran is getting higher every night’

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking from the annual gathering by foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila, said pressure on Iran would continue to increase until Tehran changes course.

“The price on Iran will get higher every night until they come to their senses,” he said.

Rubio also addressed the situation in Yemen, saying he hoped the Houthis would de-escalate. “They got snookered by Iran,” he added.

Culture ministry condemns Israeli flag raised over Doubieh castle

The culture ministry condemned the raising of an Israeli flag over Doubieh fortress in south Lebanon, saying Israeli soldiers had carried out the act.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the ministry said the move, following similar incidents at Shamaa and Beaufort castles, was “a continuing act of aggression” that must be condemned and rejected.

“Jabal Amel is an inseparable part of Lebanon, of which it is proud,” the ministry said, adding that it would work to restore Lebanese sovereignty over the area and ensure international recognition of that sovereignty.

Israeli gunfire wounds Syrian worker in Ibl al-Saqi

A Syrian worker was wounded by Israeli gunfire early Thursday in Ibl al-Saqi (Marjayoun,) according to L’Orient Today’s correspondent in south Lebanon. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

At dawn, the Israeli army also carried out demolitions in Haddatha (Bint Jbeil) and set fire to houses in Qsair (Marjayoun) and Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh).

Iran says it destroyed several US military assets in Jordan

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Thursday it attacked and destroyed several U.S. military assets in Jordan.

According to a statement broadcast by Iranian state television, the targets included a U.S. THAAD missile defense system radar, a Patriot system, a C-RAM radar, and a hangar housing helicopters.

US uses B-1 bomber in strike on IRGC targets in Iran, Axios reports

The U.S. military used a B-1 long-range bomber to strike targets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday, marking the first deployment of the aircraft since fighting with Tehran resumed 12 days ago, Axios reported, citing U.S. officials.

The bomber launched from a U.K. airbase as part of an expanded U.S. campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure. The U.S. Central Command said its forces struck military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage sites and logistics facilities, but did not confirm the B-1’s involvement.

According to Axios, the use of the bomber, which can carry a large payload of weapons, signals an escalation in U.S. operations. Despite the strikes, Iran has continued threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and attacking U.S. positions in the region, while Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked vessels have raised concerns over a widening conflict.

Qatari mediators are continuing talks with U.S., Iranian and Omani officials to try to restore maritime security and halt the fighting, though Tehran has not accepted the latest proposal, Axios reported.

Iran says it targeted US bases in Kuwait

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it attacked U.S. forces stationed at Kuwait’s al-Adairi camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base, Iranian state media reported Thursday.

The reports also cited Iran’s military as saying it targeted other U.S. bases in Kuwait, including Camp Arifjan and Camp Doha. The claims come as Tehran continues strikes against regional countries hosting U.S. forces in response to ongoing American attacks on Iranian territory.

Kuwait’s military said early Thursday it was intercepting “hostile drones” after several days of Iranian strikes targeting the Gulf state. The army said any explosions heard were caused by air defense systems intercepting incoming threats.

Israeli army continues operations in south Lebanon

The Israeli army carried out further operations in south Lebanon overnight and into Thursday morning, according to L’Orient Today’s correspondent.

After 6:30 a.m., Israeli artillery fire targeted Beit Yahoun and Braasheet in the Bint Jbeil district. Overnight, Israeli forces also fired machine guns toward areas around Khiam in Marjayoun, Roueisat al-Alam near Kfar Shuuba in Hasbaya, and Mansouri in Sour.

Later, artillery strikes hit areas around Ali Taher hill in Nabatieh, as well as locations between Nabatieh Fawqa and Kfar Tibnit, and between Mayfadoun and Nabatieh Fawqa. Israeli forces also launched flares over Zawtar Sharqieh and dropped six sound bombs from a drone over Majdal Zoun.

Lebanese Army chief arrives in Zawtar Gharbieh pilot zone

Lebanese Army commander-in-chief Rodolph Haykal arrived Thursday in Zawtar Gharbieh, where army units have been deploying for several days, L’Orient Today's correspondent reported.

The southern town is one of the “pilot zones” included in the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement, under which the Lebanese Army is expected to deploy and dismantle Hezbollah military infrastructure as a condition for an Israeli withdrawal.

Army units began deploying in the area on Tuesday. The same day, the Lebanese Army said Israeli soldiers had fired near its troops as they began their mission under the agreement.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the town on Tuesday and raised the Lebanese flag in its damaged main square, describing the move as a symbol of the state’s return to south Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia confirms vessel hit in Red Sea as Iran restricts Hormuz traffic

Saudi Arabia confirmed Thursday that a vessel owned by a Saudi company was hit in the Red Sea, shortly after Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the vessel "Encelia" was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire at the front of the ship. All crew members were reported safe.

The Houthis said they carried out drone and missile attacks against two Saudi tankers, naming the vessels as Encelia and Layla, after announcing a maritime blockade targeting Saudi ports.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had stopped three tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming one vessel caught fire after an explosion, forcing the others to turn back.

The IRGC said Iran had restricted passage through the strategic waterway, a key route for global oil shipments.

Doubieh-Shaqra municipality says Israeli troops raised flag over historic castle

The municipality of Shaqra and Doubieh in Bint Jbeil condemned what it described as the entry of Israeli forces into Qalaat Doubieh, where soldiers allegedly raised the Israeli flag.

The municipality called the move a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and an attack on a historic archaeological site belonging to Lebanon’s cultural heritage. It called on Lebanese authorities, including the Culture Ministry’s Directorate General of Antiquities, and UNESCO to investigate and protect the site.

The incident was reported earlier this week but could not initially be independently confirmed, as the castle lies in an area occupied by Israel, according to L’Orient Today’s correspondent.

The Israeli army previously raised its flag over Beaufort Castle, another historic fortress in south Lebanon.

Welcome to our live coverage of today's Middle East tensions

Tensions continue to rise across the region as the United States and Iran exchange strikes, while Israel maintains operations and positions in south Lebanon.

L’Orient Today is following developments in Lebanon’s south, where Israeli forces continue to occupy areas along the border and carry out strikes and demolitions.