US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

A series of violent strikes have rocked the southern regions of Lebanon, resulting in 17 fatalities in the cities of Tyre and Sidon. The situation remains volatile, with multiple reports of ongoing bombardments in the Nabatieh area. In a separate incident, a hospital in Toul was reportedly targeted by strikes, while fierce clashes erupted in the strategic town of Bint Jbeil, situated mere kilometres from the Blue Line. Israeli forces have been attempting to encircle the town for approximately six weeks, but Hezbollah’s robust defence has thwarted their efforts, leading to an escalation of hostilities today. According to the Israeli defence minister, Hezbollah has initiated contact with Israel, expressing a desire for a ceasefire and a separation of Lebanon’s military front from Iran’s.

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan has appealed to both the US and Iran to display a spirit of cooperation, flexibility, and mutual understanding in their forthcoming negotiations.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, emphasized that any negotiations to bring an end to the conflict are conditional upon the United States honouring its ceasefire obligations, particularly in Lebanon.

Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN Security Council has confirmed that Lebanon was explicitly mentioned in the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, effectively halting hostilities against the country. The envoy expressed surprise at the apparent confusion surrounding Lebanon’s inclusion, pointing out that it was clearly stated in the original agreement.

In a move that thwarted their efforts, House Democrats were unable to push through a resolution aimed at curtailing Trump’s authority to wage war in Iran on Thursday, despite their return to Washington during a scheduled two-week recess.

The attempt to force a vote was met with resistance from the Republican chairman, who chose to adjourn the session without allowing Democrats to voice their opinions.

Following Trump’s warnings of potential war crimes against Iranians, Congresswoman Deborah Ross voiced her concerns on X, stating that the Republicans’ decision to block the resolution leaves Trump unchecked, with no clear end to the conflict in sight.

Senate Democrats have vowed to revive the war powers vote when Congress reconvenes next week.

A landmark moment in regional diplomacy could be on the horizon if Lebanon and Israel agree to direct talks, accompanied by a reduction in tensions. The Lebanese government’s decision to engage in negotiations with Israel marks a significant departure from long-standing protocol. Israel, however, has made its expectations clear, insisting on Hezbollah’s disarmament and criticizing the Lebanese prime minister for alleged inaction. The timing of this development is noteworthy, as it presents a potential opportunity for de-escalation, which could have a positive impact on the fragile US-Iran ceasefire. Conversely, it also allows Netanyahu to claim credit for isolating the Lebanon conflict from the Iran conflict.

The Emir of Qatar has expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s diplomatic endeavors to facilitate a ceasefire between the US and Iran, as both countries have jointly denounced Israel’s military actions in Lebanon.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, Israeli military operations and settler incursions persist in Palestinian territories within the occupied West Bank, according to reports from Wafa news agency.

According to Mushahid Hussain, a seasoned defence analyst and former Pakistani information minister, the rapport between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, has significantly bolstered Islamabad’s position in negotiations between the US and Iran. Hussain attributes this development to Trump’s confidence in Pakistan’s mediating team, which includes Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar, and their ability to maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in Washington, Tehran, and Beijing.

Despite Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent declaration that he has ordered direct talks with Lebanon, Israel’s Defence Minister Katz cautioned that the conflict will persist, stating unequivocally that “the war will not be halted.”