Lebanese Army cancels deployment to Mansouri | LIVE

Yemeni government threatens retaliation after deadly Houthi attacks

Yemen's internationally recognized government has threatened to retaliate against what it called "treacherous" Houthi attacks that killed at least 38 members of government forces, the deadliest toll since the 2022 truce between the two sides.

In a statement, the defense ministry said the armed forces would respond to the "aggression" at "the appropriate time and place."

Iran threats against Gulf energy sites pushed Trump to abandon strikes, AFP reports

Iran escalated threats last week against Gulf energy infrastructure and sent a list of potential targets to mediators, who later intervened with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to two regional officials cited by AFP.

Trump announced Saturday that he had decided against launching major strikes on Iran following requests from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

According to Gulf officials, Tehran warned mediators of possible retaliation targeting power plants and water desalination facilities, vital infrastructure in the region. One official said Iran had threatened to plunge Gulf countries into darkness if Trump attacked Iranian energy sites.

Iranian parliament reviews draft bill to restrict 'hostile' vessels from Strait of Hormuz

Iran's parliament is reviewing a preliminary draft bill that would ban U.S., Israeli and other vessels deemed "hostile" from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the Fars news agency reported.

The proposed measures, still under expert review, would impose fines of up to 20% of cargo value for violations of the restrictions. Lawmakers have invited specialists to submit recommendations before finalizing the draft.

Lebanese Army cancels its Mansouri deployment

The Lebanese Army cancelled its deployment to the village of Mansouri (Sour district), the mayor of the village, Haidar Madihli, told our correspondent in the south.

According to the mayor, after entering the village, and reaching the town's square, the Lebanese Army was informed — through its command and via the “Mechanism” committee — that the village is considered a “restricted military zone" and that it should stop the mission.

Madihli explained that the army had been waiting for the arrival of engineering equipment to begin reopening roads and removing obstacles, before being informed that it should abandon the mission.

Israeli drone strike reported in Mayfadoun

An Israeli drone has carried out a strike on the commons of the village of Mayfadoun (Nabatieh district), attempting to target a motorcycle but missing the target.

Iran threatened Gulf countries with 'black out' last week in case US attacks its power plants

Iran intensified its threats towards its Gulf neighbors last week, conveying messages that it would "black out" the entire region if the United States struck its power plants, listing specific targets, two officials told AFP.

The warning followed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump of a massive attack against Iran, which he later walked back over the weekend citing requests from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.

"Iran threatened to black out the Gulf, country by country, if Trump attacked its power plants," a Gulf official told AFP, with another regional official confirming the messaging.

It had publicly made such threats before, but the new one was "very serious." the Gulf official said, noting it included "a long list of targets they would attack."

The Gulf official said Iran's message said it would hit power plants and water desalination facilities.

Israel says it struck Hezbollah infrastructure after Majdal Zoun strike

The Israeli army said it carried out strikes on several Hezbollah sites in south Lebanon over the past 24 hours in response to the explosion in Majdal Zoun that killed two Israeli soldiers and seriously wounded four others on Wednesday.

In a post on X by its Arabic-language spokesperson Ella Waweya, the army said it targeted weapons depots, a command center and other infrastructure it said belonged to Hezbollah, adding that its forces remain deployed in the "security zone" in southern Lebanon.

Dozens of Yemeni soldiers killed or wounded in Houthi missile attack

A Houthi missile strike targeting Yemeni government forces in the central province of Marib has left dozens of soldiers dead or wounded, according to a military source cited by AFP.

The source, speaking anonymously, said at least 45 soldiers were killed or injured when the missile struck as troops were gathered in the area. The exact casualty toll was not immediately clear.

Salam chairs meeting on return of displaced people to south Lebanon

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired a meeting at the Grand Serail on the return of displaced people to southern Lebanon.

The meeting was attended by Southern Council President Hashem Haidar, Higher Relief Committee Secretary-General Bassam al-Naboulsi and Zahi Chahine, director of the Central Operations Room at the Prime Minister's Office.

Salam was briefed on the latest developments in southern Lebanon, including progress on reconnaissance operations and field interventions, as well as the construction of a temporary bridge in Qaaqaaiyet al-Jisr, announced Wednesday by Public Works Minister Fayez Rasamny.

According to U.N. figures released earlier Thursday, about 360,000 displaced people have yet to return home. More than 800,000 people have already returned to their areas of origin in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs.

Israeli artillery shells Marjayoun district

The Israeli army carried out fresh artillery shelling between the villages of Houla and Markaba in the Marjayoun district, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

An Israeli drone also dropped a sonic bomb on the village of Yater in the Bint Jbeil district.

UNIFIL reports 113 Israeli projectiles fired Wednesday, highest since June 21

UNIFIL said it recorded 113 projectiles fired by the Israeli army on Wednesday, the highest number recorded by the U.N. peacekeeping mission since June 21.

In a statement, the force said its peacekeepers continue to observe daily violations of Lebanese airspace, as well as military activity on the ground.

While the level of violence remains "significantly lower" than in previous months, UNIFIL said the situation remains "fragile."

The mission said it continues to monitor and report developments to the U.N. Security Council while maintaining its operational tempo and dialogue with the parties to help reduce tensions.

At least 30 Yemeni soldiers killed in Houthi attacks

At least 30 Yemeni government soldiers were killed in Houthi attacks on military camps in the provinces of Marib and Hadramout, government sources told Reuters on Thursday.

The sources said the death toll could rise.

Israeli army strikes Mansouri again

Two powerful explosions shook the village of Mansouri (Sour district) earlier today, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

The blasts were likely caused by two Israeli airstrikes, although it was not immediately clear whether they resulted from demolition operations.

According to a resident, the explosions "made the ground shake, as if it were an earthquake," while a thick column of smoke rose from the site.

Israeli artillery also shelled the village, which the army ordered evacuated Wednesday after a drone dropped a stun grenade.

Israeli troops also demolished buildings in Haddatha (Bint Jbeil district) after targeting the area with machine-gun fire.

Iranian president says communication with supreme leader 'very difficult'

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday that communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since his appointment in March, is "very difficult right now."

"Communication with him is very difficult right now, but his presence is nonetheless a major asset for us, allowing us to continue," Pezeshkian said in a televised address, referring to the son and successor of Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war launched by Israel and the United States against Iran on Feb. 28.

Wounded during the offensive, which also killed numerous Iranian officials, Mojtaba Khamenei has communicated only through statements attributed to him since his appointment.

His absence from public view during the conflict with the United States has fueled speculation about his health and his relations with other senior Iranian officials.

His absence from his father's funeral in July also prompted questions about his condition, with some speculating that he had been assassinated.

Pezeshkian defended the supreme leader, saying he had been received with "kindness and very sound reasoning" during their meetings.

"Unfortunately, the current situation allows malicious individuals to portray him differently and present a different image of him," he said.

Israel claims destroyed 'thousands' of Hezbollah sites in south Lebanon, seeking to justify its ongoing demolitions in the area

The Israeli army said on X that it has uncovered "thousands of infrastructures used by Hezbollah" in southern Lebanon in recent months, seeking to justify its ongoing demolitions in the area.

Accompanying the statement with a video that it said showed the sites, the army accused Hezbollah of "cynically exploiting Lebanese civilians and putting their lives in danger."

On Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli army had wiped 24 villages along the Lebanese border off the map.

Wounded toll rises after Israeli strike on Burj al-Shemali

The number of people wounded in the Israeli strike on Burj al-Shemali, in the Sour district, has risen to eight, according to the Health Ministry.

Vance denies report of confrontation with Netanyahu

U.S. Vice President JD Vance denied an Axios report that he confronted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israeli leader's visit to Washington in late July. The meeting took place at Blair House.

"He did not confront me. It was a good, frank discussion," Vance said in an interview with Fox News late Wednesday.

"As I have said many times, Israel is a good partner and ally of the United States. But, as with any ally, we sometimes have differences of opinion. ... The American media are fascinated by this dynamic, but my job is to defend the interests of no other nation on Earth except the United States. When our interests are aligned with Israel's, we discuss how to achieve those goals. When my view differs from the prime minister's, we have a frank discussion."

"I would describe it as pleasant, frank and direct. I didn't feel confronted," he added.

Asked about talks with Iran and the prospects for an agreement to end the war, Vance said the Iranians were "extraordinarily difficult people" with "a fractured system," in which "some want peace, while others are radical forces that want to continue the war."

"Our job is to navigate through all of that" to achieve "the best outcome for the American people and for the president of the United States," he said. "I think we will get there in the end, even if it's messy. The bottom line is that oil prices stay low, that Iran never gets nuclear weapons and that the United States is in a stronger position. We are currently in the middle of the game."

Amal MP: 'Israel doesn't want a cease-fire'

Amal Movement MP Kassem Hachem said he is convinced Israel "doesn't truly want a cease-fire, even within the framework of the ongoing negotiations," in an interview with Sawt Kell Lebnan radio.

"Israel has not given Lebanon any real opportunity for an effective withdrawal, because maintaining this situation allows it to reap political and electoral gains," he said, referring to Israel's upcoming parliamentary elections.

Hachem added that "Lebanon cannot continue to follow the path Israel is trying to impose on it" and argued that "strengthening Lebanon's position at the negotiating table requires, first and foremost, internal unity."

Trump denies reports of US weapons shortage, attacks media

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States has "massive" stockpiles of weapons, rejecting media reports that shortages had prompted him to delay further strikes on Iran in recent days.

"The United States hasmassive amounts of 'munitions' especially of certain types... Additionally, large amounts are being manufactured and shipped to the US as needed," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Calling the reports "treasonous," he added that those responsible "are being hunted down" for prosecution. "Long jail sentences will be sought," he wrote.

CNN and The Washington Post have reported in recent days that shortages of long-range guided missiles and air defense interceptors have affected Trump's strategy toward Iran.

According to CNN, the U.S. military has "depleted nearly 80%" of its stockpile of interceptors for the THAAD missile defense system.

The Washington Post reported that Trump "exploded with frustration" last week over the shortages and demanded an explanation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over why he had "apparently been misled."

The reported shortages are believed to have contributed to Trump's decision on Saturday to suspend planned attacks, after he said Tehran had requested a pause, despite warning the United States was prepared to strike "at levels not seen since World War II."

New Israeli demolition in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army carried out another demolition in the occupied village of Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh district), near Zawtar Gharbieh, one of the localities included in the first "pilot zones" established last week, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Israeli army says settlers crossed into Lebanon before being returned

A group of Israeli settlers, including about 15 women, crossed into Lebanon on Wednesday near the village of Ghajar before being returned by Israeli troops, the Israeli army said Thursday.

"Approximately 15 Israeli citizens arrived yesterday in the Ghajar area, damaged the border fence and crossed into Lebanese territory," the army said in a statement.

It added that soldiers intervened and returned the group to Israeli territory before handing them over to Israeli police. The army "strongly condemns this incident, which constitutes yet another instance of serious disruption to operational activities and a danger to the security of Israeli army forces operating in the area," the statement said.

The women belong to "Uri Tzafon," an extremist Zionist group that advocates establishing Israeli settlements in southern Lebanon.

Activists from the same movement traveled to the disputed village of Ghajar, which is divided by the Blue Line, in early July and have crossed into Lebanese territory several times in recent months, including near the Hasbani River.

US, Israel reportedly preparing strikes on Iranian energy sites this weekend

The United States and Israel are preparing to launch strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure as early as this weekend, CBS News reported Thursday, citing several U.S. sources.

According to the network, Israeli officials have been informed of the plans and are coordinating with Washington, although U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet decided whether to authorize the strikes.

Speaking to Iran's Tasnim news agency, a senior Iranian security official said Tehran would respond forcefully by targeting critical infrastructure in Israel and U.S. energy facilities in the region.

"We consider reports of possible U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iranian infrastructure to be a form of recklessness," the official said. "Iran has prepared a comprehensive response plan."

CBS News also reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented Trump with three options for continuing the war, including strikes on military supply routes and tightening the naval blockade.

Earlier this week, Trump said the United States would strike Iran "very hard over the next four to eight weeks." "At some point, they will say they just can't take it anymore," he added. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told CBS News that Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons "under the presidency of Donald Trump."

Iran says it reached Hormuz agreement with Oman, but reopening depends on Washington

Iran said Wednesday it had reached an agreement with Oman on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, which both countries border and which remains at the center of tensions with the United States.

But any reopening of the strategic waterway, which Tehran has blocked, will depend on Washington ending its blockade of Iranian ports, Iranian officials told local media.

"The geographical coordinates of the route agreed upon by both parties have been approved," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

Israeli troops maneuver toward Wadi Slouqi

Several Israeli military vehicles and troops on foot were seen moving from Houla toward the Wadi Slouqi valley, west of the town, along the border of one of the "pilot zones" established last week in the central sector of the Bint Jbeil district.

The convoy also included a heavy truck reportedly carrying explosives, according to our correspondent.

Night of heavy Israeli bombardment in Sour district; 3 wounded in Burj al-Shemali

Following Wednesday's developments, southern Lebanon saw one of the most intense episodes of Israeli escalation in recent weeks overnight, mainly in the western sector of the Sour district.

The towns of Mansouri and Majdal Zoun came under heavy artillery fire, machine-gun fire and airstrikes, while demolitions continued into the early hours of Thursday, according to our correspondent in the South. Sporadic shelling was still targeting the Mashaa neighborhood in Mansouri at dawn.

After 10 p.m. Wednesday, the Israeli army shelled Majdal Zoun and the surrounding valleys, while Merkava tanks fired several rounds toward the town's outskirts. Flares were also dropped over Jibbayn, and a shell landed on the outskirts of Haniyeh. Residents of Mansouri reported hearing more than 50 artillery rounds in a short period.

After midnight, an airstrike targeted Mansouri, accompanied by sustained shelling of communal lands and machine-gun fire. Around 1 a.m., a loud explosion heard across the Sour and Bint Jbeil districts was caused by the demolition of homes in Haddatha. The Ali al-Taher forest also came under shelling.

In Burj al-Shemali, three drone strikes hit the home of a resident identified as Ali Joha, wounding three people, one of them critically. An Israeli airstrike then hit the same area, causing cases of asphyxiation and panic that were treated on site by paramedics from the Islamic Mission of al-Rissala and the Islamic Health Committee.

Rescue teams evacuated the area near al-Islah Stadium and one of their centers, while many residents fled to safer areas, causing traffic jams on the road to the Qasmieh Bridge, north of Sour.

The bombardment continued for about two hours in Mansouri's residential neighborhoods under constant drone surveillance. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army and rescue workers searched the sites hit in Burj al-Shemali for additional victims or people trapped under the rubble.

The fire sparked by Israeli shelling near Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya district) on Wednesday continued burning overnight and had not been extinguished by Thursday morning.

Two Israeli soldiers killed in Mansouri

The Israeli army on Thursday confirmed that two of its soldiers died in an incident the previous day in southern Lebanon, its first fatalities in more than a month, as U.S.-sponsored talks between Lebanon and Israel were underway in Rome.

News of the incident began circulating in Israeli media on Wednesday, shortly before Israel issued its first evacuation order for a village in southern Lebanon since the framework agreement establishing "pilot zones" was signed in June.

Read more here.

The incident also reverberated in Rome, where it cast a shadow over the negotiations.

Read Mounir Rabih's analysis here.

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Good morning. We are now launching our live blog, covering news updates from the region.

We are now launching our live coverage of developments in the Middle East, where the United States and Iran appear to be moving closer to an agreement to end the war launched on Feb. 28 by Washington and Tel Aviv.

We will also be following developments in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli army continues to occupy several 100 square kilometers along the border, as Lebanese and Israeli officials hold talks in Rome aimed at securing a lasting end to the war between Hezbollah and Israel.