US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

A cacophony of explosions has been echoing through the southwestern region of Lebanon, a hotspot for Israeli military operations over the past 48 hours. The area has witnessed a substantial surge in military activity, with a marked escalation in intensity.
A devastating air strike claimed the lives of two individuals on a motorcycle in the coastal town of al-Mansouri, a location that has previously been targeted by Israeli forces. Yesterday, a nearby vehicle fell victim to a similar attack along the same coastal highway.
In the nearby town of Biyyada, a fierce battle is unfolding between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces. Israeli troops have established a presence just above Biyyada, with the town’s outskirts now serving as a battleground. The conflict has been marked by intense exchanges of fire, with both sides employing drones and heavy artillery in their efforts.

Iranian media sources confirm that a recent assault on a residential area in Mianeh, located in northwestern Iran, has resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, according to reports.

In a candid conversation with Al Jazeera, Iran’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Reza Salehi Amiri, characterized the devastation in his country as a calculated assault on the nation’s heritage. Speaking from the site of the destruction, Amiri underscored the significance of the damaged structures, which he claimed were more than just physical remnants.

The notion of a new Iranian regime is a misconception, as the current power structure remains largely unchanged. Key figures such as Ghalibaf, who has been entrenched in the system since the 1980s, and Ahmad Vahidi, the founder and current commander of the IRGC, continue to hold influential positions. Meanwhile, Masoud Pezeshkian is the sole president, leaving questions about Trump’s alleged communication with him. Furthermore, there is no clear indication that Pezeshkian was the one requesting a ceasefire, leaving room for speculation and uncertainty.

Asserting its authority, the IRGC declares that the Strait of Hormuz remains firmly under its control and will not be compromised by the US President’s boastful declarations. This statement comes in response to Trump’s recent claim that the Iranian president had requested a ceasefire, with the US President hinting that he might consider it once the Strait is fully accessible and secure.

Javad Zarif, Iran’s former Foreign Minister and founder of the Payab Research Institute, has cautioned GCC nations that their reliance on foreign military bases undermines their sovereignty. In a recent X post, Zarif reflected on the decades-long trend of GCC governments outsourcing their security, describing these foreign bases as incubators for conflict. He also noted that while US President Donald Trump’s tenure may be nearing its end, Iran’s enduring presence in the region will persist. Zarif emphasized the importance of self-reliance in security matters, advocating for a collective approach that prioritizes regional stability.

Reports from Israeli media indicate a significant amount of destruction in Kiryat Shmona, a city situated in northern Israel, following a Hezbollah artillery barrage. The assault occurred after a series of warning sirens sounded near the Israeli-Lebanese border. According to Israeli media, a single individual was left injured in Kiryat Shmona due to a rocket attack originating from Lebanon.

Despite failing to secure control over major population hubs, Israel has been actively targeting smaller, largely deserted towns near the border, which suffered significant damage during the 2024 conflict. A recent blast in one of these towns has brought to light the Israeli military’s plan to systematically destroy homes and clear out the area. According to the Israeli military, this policy will continue unabated, rendering the affected towns uninhabitable. The development has sent shockwaves through Tyre and southern Lebanon, where approximately 60,000 residents remain, with only a fraction having chosen to stay. As the situation unfolds, residents are grappling with the decision of whether to remain and weather the storm or seek alternative accommodations.

In a statement made prior to his televised address this evening, President Trump has alleged that Iran’s leader is seeking a ceasefire.

Reports indicate that coordinated bombings have struck the eastern and northwestern outskirts of Ahvaz and the city of Mahshahr, with the security liaison to the Khuzestan governor’s office confirming the incidents.