Trump predicts that the war with Iran will end 'immediately' after the November US midterm elections | LIVE

Trump says he believes Iran war will end 'immediately' after US midterm elections in November

U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes the Iran war will end "immediately" after the United States votes in midterm elections in November, AFP reported.

"I think the war will end immediately after the election" because Iran "can't hold out any longer," Trump told journalists, accusing Tehran of being "desperate to try and affect" the vote.

In this context, Trump noted that oil prices were going to come down after the U.S. elections, Reuters reported.

IAEA board refers Iran to UN Security Council

The IAEA board of governors voted to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over its nuclear "non-compliance" in a diplomatic move to pile pressure on the Islamic republic.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not had access to key nuclear facilities in Iran since Israel, joined by the United States, launched a 12-day conflict in June 2025 that included strikes on nuclear sites.

The resolution, seen by AFP, was adopted by 23 votes in favour, three votes against and eight abstentions, two diplomats told AFP. Russia, China and Niger voted against it.

Explosion heard in southern Iran near Hormuz

Iran's state television reported that an explosion was heard in the south of the country near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

"A few minutes ago, an explosion was heard from the Strait of Hormuz. The nature of the incident or its origin has not yet been announced," the state broadcaster said.

Israeli warplanes carry out 7 strikes in different parts of Southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes struck the village of Mansouri (Sour district), Beni Hayan, Khiam (Marjayoun), the outskirts of Sarbine, and an area between Haddatha and Haris (Bint Jbeil). The Israeli army also carried out a strike on Nabatieh Fawqa, but the missile did not explode.

Furthermore, the Israeli army carried out four new explosions in Mansouri and two in Beni Hayan.

In parallel, Israeli artillery shelling targeted the outskirts of Beit Yahoun and Braasheet (Bint Jbeil).

Israeli defense minister reiterates Israeli troops will remain in Syria

Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, reiterated that Israeli troops would remain in Syria during a visit to soldiers deployed in the south of the neighboring country.

“We are here to send a very strong message to the president of Syria, who is 35 kilometers away, in his palace in Damascus: We are here on Mount Hermon, we are in the security zone, and we will not leave it,” he said.

35 Israeli explosions in Mansouri today, Israeli military vehicles spotted moving on Ali Taher ridge

The Israeli army is continuing its explosions in the village of Mansouri (Sour district), with 35 reported since this morning, according to our correspondent in the south. Moreover, Israeli drones were seen transporting canisters of explosives to Mansouri in preparation for detonations.

In the Nabatieh district, Israeli military vehicles were spotted moving on the Ali Taher ridge, where Israel declared "operational control" on Sept. 3 after weeks of fighting.

In other developments, the Israeli army carried out explosions in Beni Hayan, Tallousa, and Qantara (Marjayoun).

Furthermore, Israeli forces moved on the western outskirts of Mais al-Jabal in the Dabsh area (Marjayoun), amid artillery shelling targeting several homes and machine-gun fire. The Israeli army also set fire to woods in Mais al-Jabal, as well as the village’s waste-sorting facility. Amid these attacks, it brought in a truck loaded with explosives, and used them to rigseveral homes, in preparation for blowing them up.

Moreover, Israeli military vehicles moved in Wadi Slouqi, coinciding with a tank shell that struck the water reservoir supplying the village of Houla (Marjayoun).

Israeli artillery shelling also targeted Mansouri and Haddatha (Bint Jbeil).

US State Department spokesperson to Iraqi channel: Lebanese-Israeli talks in Rome 'scheduled to be held soon'

A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Iraqi channel Shams TV that the "Lebanese and Israeli sides remain engaged in constructive dialogue," adding that the next round of Lebanese-Israeli talks in Rome is scheduled to be held soon.

The spokesperson added that there are "ill-intentioned parties seeking to create a negative atmosphere surrounding the talks."

The last round of talks between Lebanon and Israel, which took place in Rome in early August, failed to make progress. No date has been officially set yet for the next round of negotiations.

Nuclear: 'Intensification' of work at Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain, analysis says

Construction work has intensified significantly over the past year at Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran, which is suspected of hosting an underground nuclear complex, according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

In a report published by the think tank, analysts said that, based on six years of satellite imagery, the site has seen “a marked intensification of construction activity in 2026.”

The analysts highlighted a shift “from an active excavation phase to probable internal construction work and continued external reinforcement.” According to the report, satellite images show the development of new roads, the construction of storage areas, and the reinforcement of access points.

Located near the Natanz nuclear complex, about 250 kilometers south of Tehran, the Pickaxe Mountain is considered by intelligence services to be a potential site for future developments in Iran’s nuclear program.

Aoun regarding increased deployment in Nabatieh: Maintaining internal security strengthens Lebanon’s official position in negotiations

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said while chairing a security meeting at the Baabda Palace that the "security deployment in Nabatieh was linked to the Lebanese state’s commitments and its negotiating position in talks with Israel," arguing that "maintaining internal security strengthens Lebanon’s official position," according to the Lebanese Presidency. He also said that the security of Nabatieh and areas not under Israeli occupation is an integral part of the security of Lebanon as a whole.

Aoun's comment comes one day after the Lebanese Army intensified its patrols in the city of Nabatieh, which was heavily bombarded by Israel last weekend.

The meeting was attended by the the commander of the Lebanese Army commander Rodolph Haykal and the heads of the security agencies. The security officials presented detailed reports on the situation in the region from various perspectives.

Aoun added that "any security vacuum in the south would provide a pretext for attacks and constitute a violation of national sovereignty."

Furthermore, the president discussed the role of the army, describing it as the backbone of stability. He said its work complements and coordinates with that of the other security agencies, while highlighting its role in protecting infrastructure and vital roads and facilitating residents’ return to their towns.

Netanyahu from Syrian side of Mount Hermon: We will not let 'terrorist army establish itself on the border'

While visiting the Mount Hermon summit in occupied Syrian territories, Israeli Prime Minsiter Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will not let a “terrorist army” establish itself on the border, in an apparent reference to the "buffer zone" Israel occupies in Syria, The Times of Israel reported.

Following the fall of the former Syrian regime in December 2024, Israel occupied additional Syrian territory, beyond the Golan heigts, including Mount Hermon.

Netanyahu visited the Syrian Hermon with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Deputy Chief of Staff Tamir Yadai.

In the regional context Netanyahu said that "the Islamic Republic is close to defeat."

"There is more work to do. The main task is to defeat the terrorist regime in Iran. We are very close to it. We know that the entire axis will ultimately collapse," he added.

Israeli army sets gas station on fire in Wadi Slouqi, bulldozes houses in Khiam

The Israeli army set a gas station on fire in Wadi Slouqi and bulldozed houses in Khiam (Marjayoun).

The Israeli army also carried out two new explosions in Mansouri (Sour), three limited-scale explosions in the Jabali neighborhood of Khiam, and a large detonation in the village of Qantara (Marjayoun).

Furthermore, the Israeli army opened machine-gun fire toward the village of Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil).

Iran Guards say war can end if US halts threats, meets demands

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that the war with the United States could end if Washington stopped threatening the Islamic Republic and met Tehran's conditions, including regarding its nuclear program.

"If the enemy wants an end to this situation, it must, while completely stopping the war, refrain from renewed threats, withdraw the Israeli regime's army from Lebanon, end the blockade of Yemen, release $24 billion in Iran's frozen assets and refrain from any interference in the country's nuclear and missile capabilities," IRGC Spokesman Hossein Mohebi said, according to the Fars news agency, as cited by AFP.

Iran says 'prohibited zone' near Hormuz to cover parts of Gulf of Oman and beyond

Iran's Guards said that a new "prohibited zone" outside the Strait of Hormuz would cover parts of the Gulf of Oman and beyond, adding that they would announce the exact coordinates later.

"It approximately starts from the direction of Chabahar, covering part of the Sea of Oman and another part of the Arabian Sea... If a vessel enters that area without coordination, it will be subject to our sanctions," Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi told state television, as cited by AFP.

Israeli drone strike on a motorcycle injures 3 in Zibdin

An Israeli drone strike on a motorcycle in Zibdin, west of Nabatieh, injured three people, one seriously, according to our correspondent. This is the Israeli attack on the town since June 20, 2026.

Israeli machine-gun fire was reported in Majdal Zoun (Sour). Israel conducted nearly 20 explosions in Mansouri (Sour), divided by the “yellow line.”

US military denies reports of Iranian strikes on its warships

The U.S. Central Command dismissed reports that Iranian forces had hit its warships operating in the Middle East and said all attempted attacks had failed, in a post on X.

"Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces have claimed they struck two U.S. Navy destroyers operating in the Middle East. This is completely FALSE," U.S. CENTCOM said.

Several merchant vessels hit by disabling fire in Gulf and Gulf of Oman

Several merchant vessels in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman were hit by disabling fire during military activity in the region overnight, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Wednesday.

The British navy-affiliated UKMTO said it was unable to confirm any casualties or environmental impact.

Separately, UKMTO reported another incident on Wednesday, 24 nautical miles from Port Rashid, in the United Arab Emirates. It said a vessel was sighted listing while at anchor, possibly indicating it had taken on water following an attack by an unknown projectile.

Israel conducted 15 explosions in Mansouri, set homes on fire in Khiam

Israel carried out 15 explosions in Mansouri (Sour) today, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon. One of the blasts was near the village’s public school. An Israeli army bulldozer was also seen in the village, in Hayy al-Malaab.

The Israeli army also set homes on fire in Khiam (Marjayoun), mainly in the Wadi Kais area.

Israeli artillery fire targeted Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh), while Israeli airstrikes hit Wadi Slouqi near Shaqra (Bint Jbeil), as well as Wadi Zibqine (Sour). An Israeli drone was also seen flying at low altitude over Saida.

In the Bekaa, a drone flying at medium altitude was seen over Baalbeck and villages in the area, stretching from Douris to Ain Bourday and Ihat, according to our correspondent.

Israel prepares to demolish school in Mansouri

Israel is preparing to demolish the public school in Mansouri (Sour district), our correspondent in the South reported. An Israeli drone was seen dropping explosives on its roof.

Israel has also carried out demolitions in Tayr Harfa (Sour) and Beni Hayan (Marjayoun). It also set homes on fire in Khiam following Israeli tank maneuvers in the village. Its artillery fire also targeted Qabrikha, on the outskirts of Wadi Slouqi (Marjayoun).

Houthis report over 30 Saudi strikes on several regions

Yemen's Houthis reported more than 30 Saudi strikes on several regions this morning, a day after the rebels launched major attacks on their neighbor, injuring dozens of people.

"Saudi enemy aircraft launched 32 airstrikes on various areas across the governorates of Marib, Al-Jawf, Taiz and Hodeida over the past few hours," the rebels' Almasirah television said.

There has been no official comment from Saudi Arabia. 

Saudi authorities previously said that Houthi attacks caused temporary shutdowns at oil sites and injured 73 people yesterday. The rebels reported Saudi airstrikes following the attacks.

US attacks on Iran resume after two-day pause

Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed this morning ballistic missile attacks on a U.S. military base in Jordan, as well as attacks on 10 ships on Wednesday, after the U.S. said it had destroyed five Iranian oil tankers last night. The IRGC threatened to target oil tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports, warning crews there to evacuate, according to a statement carried by state media.

Also last night, the Revolutionary Guard said they had captured a U.S. submersible near the Hormuz Strait. A U.S. official told Reuters that an underwater military drone malfunctioned more than a day ago, adding it did not have classified sonar or radar equipment on board.

South Lebanon: Israel continues overnight bombardment of Nabatieh district

Two Israeli airstrikes hit Kfar Tibnit and the outskirts of Nabatieh Fawqa early Wednesday morning, while heavy artillery shelled Dohat Kfar Roummane, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Overnight, another Israeli strike targeted the outskirts of Qantara (Marjayoun), near Wadi Slouqi. Israeli artillery also shelled Nabatieh Fawqa and the area between Zawtar Sharqieh and Mayfadoun.

Israeli forces also carried out two detonations in the occupied village of Mansouri (Sour) and fired illumination flares between Aitaroun and Blida (Bint Jbeil).

Israeli military movements were also reported in Tallousa (Marjayoun), while Israeli forces conducted a sweep operation in Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil).

Throughout Tuesday, the Israeli air force carried out strikes on four towns and villages in southern Lebanon, while 10 others came under artillery fire. The Israeli army also carried out a series of major demolitions in five localities, with Mansouri the hardest hit.

Good morning, and thank you for joining us for today's live coverage of the events in Lebanon and the region.

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