Tehran calls new US sanctions 'economic terrorism,' Washington predicts 'fall of regime' | LIVE

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South Lebanon: Israeli explosives dropped in Kfar Roummane

Israeli artillery fire targeted Talloussa (Marjayoun) and the outskirts of Mayfadoun (Nabatieh), while Israeli military vehicles were observed moving from Taybeh towards Qantara (Marjayoun). An Israeli drone also dropped explosive materials on the Dabsheh area, on the outskirts of Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh).

South Lebanon: Israel targeted Kfar Roummane with explosives

Israeli artillery fire targeted Talloussa (Marjayoun) and the outskirts of Mayafadoun (Nabatieh), while Israeli military vehicles were observed moving from Taybeh towards Qantara (Marjayoun).

An Israeli drone also dropped explosive materials on the Dabsheh area, on the outskirts of Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh).

London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin call for an end to settlement expansion in the West Bank

France, Italy, Great Britain, and Germany on Thursday called on Israel to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank and immediately withdraw the tenders issued this week for the construction of more than 1,200 housing units for the vast E1 project.

"At a time of serious instability in the West Bank, with unprecedented levels of settler violence against civilians and severe restrictions imposed on the Palestinian economy, this decision is all the more worrying," the four countries said in a joint statement.

Washington says U.S. sanctions on Iran will lead to 'the fall of this regime'

Washington has warned its allies, through Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, that those who do not support its economic war against Iran will be considered “against us,” with the stated goal of “ending this murderous regime.”

In an interview with CNBC, Bessent also called on China to “get on board” if Beijing wants to “see the Strait [of Hormuz] reopened and energy prices come back down,” noting that 50% of the energy consumed by the world’s second-largest economy comes from the Middle East.

Iran condemns new U.S. sanctions, calls them 'economic terrorism'

Iran's foreign ministry condemned newly announced U.S. economic and trade sanctions on Thursday, saying they targeted ordinary Iranians and amounted to "economic terrorism" and crimes against humanity.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday of sweeping economic consequences for any country that provided what he called "any type of lifeline to Iran", threatening economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale.

The Iranian foreign ministry said the measures would not weaken Tehran's resolve to defend its independence, national sovereignty and interests.

Israeli army detonations, home fires and shelling continue across southern Lebanon

An Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade on the town of Mansouri (Sour), while Israeli artillery shelled the town, according to our correspondent in the South.

An Israeli Merkava tank also shelled the outskirts of Braasheet (Bint Jbeil) with several rounds.

The Israeli army carried out a detonation in Tiri (Bint Jbeil) and set fire to homes in Tallousa (Marjayoun).

Israeli military vehicles also moved along the western outskirts of Mais al-Jabal, in the Doubieh area (Bint Jbeil), accompanied by artillery shelling that targeted several homes, machine-gun fire and a fire that broke out in the area.

UNIFIL says peacekeepers maintain full mandate, field presence in southern Lebanon

UNIFIL said Thursday that peacekeepers from around 50 countries “continue to fully carry out their mandate and maintain a clear field presence across southern Lebanon through daily activities, including patrols, monitoring, coordination and support for humanitarian partners.”

The peacekeeping force said “civilians are bearing the brunt of the conflict, with disruptions to daily life, uncertainty and possible displacement amid safety concerns.”

UNIFIL stressed that” peacekeepers’ efforts to reduce tensions, prevent misunderstandings and keep communication channels open help prevent escalation.”

It called on all parties to renew their commitment to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, refrain from violations and avoid provocative actions that could further increase tensions or lead to additional violations.

'The cities and villages of south Lebanon will be rebuilt through the will of their residents,' Hajjar said

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar told municipal delegations from south Lebanon that “Lebanon will rise stronger than ever,” saying that “the cities and villages of the South will be rebuilt through the will and determination of their residents, as well as the efforts of their municipalities.”

He also expressed hope that “Lebanon will enjoy security and peace,” stressing that “the Lebanese people deserve to live in security and stability.”

Hajjar received the president of the Bint Jbeil municipality, Mohammad Bazzi, accompanied by members of the municipal council. The delegation briefed him on the difficulties facing the town, as well as a plan to manage the issue of displaced residents and a plan for their return when conditions allow.

He also received the heads of the municipalities of the Christian villages of Rmeish and Debel.

Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Najran airport, Aramco facilities in Saudi Arabia

Yemen's Houthis said on Thursday that they carried out two drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting what they described as a sensitive target at Najran airport and an Aramco facility in Najran, according to the Iran-aligned group's military spokesperson Yahya Saree.

There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi Arabia.

Ankara 'not considering' retaliation for Israeli strike in Syria

Turkey is not considering retaliation for Israel’s strike on a Syrian military airbase Tuesday, the Turkish presidency said Thursday, adding that Ankara “will not fall into the trap” set by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“We are experienced enough not to fall into the trap of figures like Netanyahu, who aim to undermine peace and stability in our region,” presidential communications chief Burhanettin Duran told state news agency Anadolu.

Duran accused Netanyahu of using hostility toward Turkey for political purposes, citing upcoming elections, domestic tensions and political fears.

Turkey, which denied any military presence at the targeted airbase, has rejected Israel’s claim that it was planning to establish a base there.

Artillery shelling and explosions carried out by the Israeli army in the Sour and Nabatieh districts

Israeli artillery shelling targeted the town of Mansouri (Sour), our correspondent in the south reported.

Separately, a large explosion carried out by the Israeli army was reported around Zawtar Sharqieh and Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh), with its sound heard in towns across the Marjayoun and Nabatieh districts.

Vatican 'deeply concerned' over difficulties implementing Israel-Lebanon framework agreement

The Vatican expressed “deep concern” over difficulties in implementing the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon reached in late June under U.S. auspices, during Pope Leo XIV’s meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

“The Holy See, while welcoming the signing of this document, expressed its deep concern over the difficulties encountered in its implementation and affirmed its support for efforts to this end,” the Vatican said in a statement.

Oman says lasting Strait of Hormuz security requires regional peace

Oman said lasting security in the Strait of Hormuz depends on achieving lasting peace in the region and opposed any further escalation or conflict, its foreign minister told his Japanese counterpart on Thursday, according to Reuters.

Iran said an agreement with Oman on new shipping routes through the Strait was in its final stages.

US ‘begging’ allies for help after defeat: Iran deputy FM

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, has said that the U.S. has been "begging" its allies for help.

“They claim Iran is on the verge of defeat, hanging by a thread, yet they are begging all their allies to help them!” he posted on X after Trump threatened ‘economic D-Day’ on any countries that help or do business with Iran.

Gharibabadi accused the U.S. of failing after figures showed the U.S. public debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time.

“The military war didn’t yield results, so now they’ve named the next failure “economic war”, he added.

Turkey will 'resolutely' continue to protect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

Turkey will “resolutely” continue to protect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a defense ministry official said Thursday following Israeli strikes.

“The attacks on the Abu al-Duhur military airport aim to undermine Syria’s stability, security, unity and territorial integrity,” Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk told reporters.

“In this context, we will resolutely continue our efforts to protect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

Gharibabadi says US heading towards ‘next failure’ in war with Iran

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, has reacted to Trump’s announcement of a “crushing economic operation”.

Without openly mentioning Washington, Gharibabadi said there had been “miscalculations”.

“They are forced to create a bigger defeat for themselves each time to cover it up,” the Iranian official wrote on X. “The military war did not work, so now they have called the next failure ‘economic war’.”

Machine gun-fire, artillery shelling, and Israeli military vehicle movements continue in southern Lebanon

Machine-gun fire directed toward the town of Tallouseh .Artillery shelling was also reported between the towns of Tallouseh and Markaba (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent in the south.

Israeli military vehicle movements were also observed in Haddatha (Bint Jbeil.)

Separately, artillery shelling targeted the area between the towns of Houla (Marjayoun) and Shakra (Bint Jbeil) as well as the town of Mansouri (Sour.)

IRGC says it will use more destructive weapons in any future war

Iran is continuing to produce weapons and would deploy more destructive ones if another conflict breaks out, IRGC spokesperson Sardar Mohebbi said, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.

“The destructive power of the warheads used in IRGC missiles far exceeds those used in previous wars, and if a war breaks out, our weapons will be completely different from the past in all aspects,” Mohebbi said.

He added that the developments include next-generation warheads with greater precision and longer missile ranges.

Iran’s Araghchi calls Trump’s economic sanctions a continuation of 'failed policies'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran, calling it a continuation of “failed policies.”

“The so-called ‘Economic D-Day’ is a diversion from America’s own crisis: unprecedented debt and surging interest costs,” Araghchi said on X. He warned that doubling down on what he described as failed policies would only bring “further defeat” and fuel hostility among Iranians.

Syria’s FM says Israel had 'no legitimate justification' for Abu al-Duhur strike

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani accused Israel on Wednesday evening of having “no legitimate justification” for striking the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria, near the Turkish border.

He said Turkish military officers had visited the base as part of training and broader military cooperation, while denying any plans for a Turkish military buildup in Syria.

Al-Shaibani also stressed that the facility was largely empty and not yet operational, as it was being rehabilitated for use by the Syrian Air Force.

Former US ambassador Edward Gabriel: Trump ready for talks with Hezbollah, but group is not 'serious enough'

U.S. President Donald Trump “is ready to talk to Hezbollah if this could help end the conflict [with Israel in Lebanon] and achieve peace,” former U.S. ambassador Edward Gabriel, president of the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), said Wednesday evening.

Speaking to local broadcaster Al Jadeed, Gabriel said he had discussed the issue with U.S. officials at the embassy in Beirut, who confirmed that Trump is seriously considering direct talks with Hezbollah. He added, however, that the United States currently believes Hezbollah is not “serious enough” about entering such negotiations.

Successive raids target Ali Taher and surrounding areas; demolitions and artillery fire hit several areas in south Lebanon

The Israeli military carried out a powerful blast in fields in Mansouri, Sour, at around 9:30 a.m., according to our correspondent. The blast was preceded by artillery fire around the village.

Israeli artillery also shelled the outskirts of Shebaa in Hasbaya and Houla in Marjayoun. At around 7 a.m., a massive explosion shook Haddatha in Bint Jbeil, where several houses were reportedly demolished.

The night was also tense in south Lebanon. Around 3 a.m., Israeli artillery struck Wadi Slouki near Toulin in Marjayoun.

Around 2 a.m., powerful explosions were heard across the Nabatieh district and as far as the Zahrani area near Sidon. They were caused by successive Israeli raids around the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge, accompanied by artillery fire targeting the area, the nearby Dabsheh ridge and Dohat Kfar Roummane. Dozens of heavy shells hit the area.

Witnesses cited by our correspondent reported strong and unpleasant odors around the strikes but could not identify their source.

Shortly before midnight, further Israeli explosions shook Khiam in Marjayoun.

After 10 p.m., Israeli artillery targeted Braasheet in Bint Jbeil. Israeli vehicles were also seen moving from Haddatha toward Aita al-Jabal, accompanied by artillery fire across the area. Another operation using medium machine guns targeted Srebbine in Bint Jbeil.

Katz: Erdogan is 'dragging Turkey into dangerous adventures in Syria'

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was “dragging Turkey into dangerous adventures in Syria” and that Israel would “not allow any entity to threaten its security,” in a post on X cited by Reuters.

Netanyahu says Israel sent Turkey a “clear message” in Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel had made it “clear” to Turkey that it must not establish a military base in Syria, implicitly acknowledging a strike on a military airfield in the neighboring country the previous day.

Meanwhile, Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited troops occupying part of southern Syria, saying the army would not allow any “hostile force to establish itself” along the Syrian border.

“We will not tolerate an advancing Turkish military entrenchment to the south, because it threatens us,” Netanyahu said in an interview broadcast on army radio.

He said Israel had first sent a “general” message opposing a Turkish military presence at an airfield near Aleppo, close to the Turkish border. “Apparently, they did not hear it, so we made sure they understood it more clearly,” he said, a day after Israel bombed the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province.

Turkey, which has had deeply strained relations with Israel since the Gaza war, rejected the allegations and denied any plans to deploy troops to Syria.