Israel sets olive groves ablaze in Yaroun, strikes Ali Taher; Trump announces new Iran talks starting Monday | LIVE

Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers discuss regional de-escalation

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call Sunday evening from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, during which the two officials discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions, according to a statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry posted on X.

Earlier that day, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the suspension of large-scale strikes on Iran. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had called Trump overnight Saturday to Sunday, urging him to reconsider plans for a major attack on Iran and to prioritize dialogue.

The Saudi ministry said bin Farhan reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to playing a regional role aimed at promoting security and stability in a way that serves the shared interests of countries and peoples across the region.

Israeli army sets olive groves ablaze in Yaroun

Around midnight, the Israeli army set olive groves on fire in Yaroun, in the Bint Jbeil district. The flames, which were visible from several kilometers away, decimated large areas of agricultural land.

In a statement, the municipality condemned the fires, saying they were part of ongoing destruction and bulldozing operations that had already affected homes, places of worship and private property in the village. It described the fires as an attack on the environment, as well as on local heritage and culture, and called on the United Nations and the international community to act in response to attacks targeting Yaroun and other areas of southern Lebanon.

The municipality also reaffirmed residents’ attachment to their land and their right to return and rebuild, despite the extensive damage to homes and agricultural areas.

On Saturday, the head of the municipal council of the occupied village of Zawtar Sharqieh said he suspected the Israeli army of stealing around 600 centuries-old olive trees from the village after satellite images showed an entire olive grove had been cleared.

Lebanon-South: Israeli strike hits Ali Taher strategic hill

Around midnight, Israeli fighter jets struck Ali Taher hills in southern Lebanon with two missiles, according to L’Orient Today’s correspondent Mountasser Abdallah.

The strike comes amid signs that Israel may be preparing a ground operation aimed at taking control of the strategic position.

Lebanon: Weekend marked by major Israeli destruction ahead of Rome talks

Israel carried out a series of demolitions and strikes across several southern Lebanese villages over the weekend, in one of the most significant escalations since the June cease-fire. The violence comes ahead of Lebanon-Israel negotiations in Rome from Aug. 4-6 under U.S. mediation.

US: Trump announces new Iran talks starting Monday

U.S. President Donald Trump said fresh negotiations with Iran would begin Monday, after announcing he had called off planned strikes on Tehran on the condition that a deal could quickly be reached.

He said the talks would focus on resolving tensions, including over the Strait of Hormuz.

South Lebanon: Explosions and Israeli strikes reported across border villages

A series of powerful explosions, airstrikes and fires were reported in several southern Lebanese areas on Sunday night.

Israeli forces carried out blasts in Haddatha and between Majdal Zoun and Mansouri, where residents reported fires and heavy smoke.

Iran: Tehran says Oman transit route deal is close

Iran said it was nearing an agreement with Oman on a new shipping transit route through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said negotiations were in their final phase, with the issue remaining a key point of tension in the regional conflict.

Gaza: Israeli strikes kill at least 13

Israeli strikes killed at least 13 people across Gaza on Sunday, according to Gaza Civil Defense.

The attacks came days after an announced agreement involving the disarmament of Hamas and a phased Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza, though Israel has not officially responded.

Good morning and welcome to today's live coverage of the news.

We will be following developments in Lebanon as Israel continues to carry out strikes in the South.

We will also be covering developments across the wider Middle East region, as U.S. President Donald Trump called off planned strikes on Iran on Saturday and announced that new talks would take place today.

Catch up on the weekend’s news with our Morning Brief here.