US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

Reports from the ground indicate that Israeli military aircraft have launched two separate strikes against areas in southern Lebanon, with the first impacting the town of Bazouriyeh and the second affecting the surrounding regions of Hannaouiyah.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has issued an urgent appeal for a halt to hostilities in Lebanon, emphasizing the need for all parties to adhere to a previously agreed ceasefire pact between the United States and Iran. In a statement, Kallas underscored the importance of upholding international law by respecting a ceasefire, halting military operations, and guaranteeing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Her call comes as she concludes a series of meetings with Gulf leaders, having recently visited the United Arab Emirates.

As the US and Iran prepare to engage in crucial talks in Pakistan, Georgetown University in Qatar’s Professor Mehran Kamrava has pinpointed several key hurdles that could hinder the success of the negotiations.

According to Kamrava, the escalating conflict between Lebanon and Israel is creating a toxic environment that threatens to undermine the talks even before they commence. He cites this ongoing bombardment as a major impediment to a lasting agreement.

Kamrava also highlights the contentious issue of sanctions as another significant obstacle. He emphasizes that Iran views these sanctions as non-negotiable, despite Washington’s 15-point proposal acknowledging sanctions relief as a topic for discussion. However, the extent to which primary and secondary sanctions will be lifted remains a contentious issue.

Lastly, Kamrava points to the Strait of Hormuz as a critical factor in the negotiations. He notes that Iran is resolute in its determination to maintain control over the waterway and will not relinquish this strategic leverage without a fight.

In a fresh social media post, US President Trump has taken aim at Iran’s handling of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, expressing his disapproval of the country’s approach.
According to Trump, Iran’s efforts to facilitate oil passage through the strategic waterway have fallen woefully short, sparking his criticism.
He emphasized that Iran’s actions contradict the terms of an agreement, as he sees it.

Yesterday marked a relatively subdued day across the Gulf Cooperation Council, with Kuwait being the sole exception to the otherwise peaceful atmosphere.
The absence of attribution for the recent attacks has sparked debate, with some speculating that the perpetrators may not be Iran itself, but rather Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.
It’s essential to note that these are just speculative theories, as there have been no official statements regarding the origins of the attacks.
For now, the attacks appear to have subsided, and the full extent of the damage inflicted over the past six weeks is beginning to emerge.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has confirmed that the threat level in the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman remains at a critical level, with only a handful of vessels – specifically five – navigating the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours.

Although no attacks have been reported in the past 48 hours, the agency’s latest update suggests that the US-Iran two-week ceasefire has yet to yield a significant increase in shipping traffic. Since March 1, the UKMTO has documented 29 incidents, underscoring the ongoing risks in the region.

According to the agency, Iran has stipulated that all transits must be coordinated with its military forces beforehand, and proposed alternative routes could lead to ships moving in opposite directions within the same lane, posing additional challenges. Meanwhile, the threat level in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden remains moderate, the UKMTO stated.

Iran’s Foreign Minister has warned that it would be a grave mistake for the US to permit Israel to sabotage the fragile regional ceasefire by maintaining its relentless assault on Lebanon, which has resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives since the truce took hold.
On Thursday, Araghchi observed that Netanyahu’s corruption trial is set to reconvene on Sunday, and he implied that the Israeli leader’s true intentions may be driving the ongoing conflict.

A scathing rebuke from Donald Trump has been directed at a quartet of high-profile pundits who have publicly questioned his stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, sparking a heated exchange on social media. Trump’s broadside targeted Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, with the former president accusing them of secretly desiring Iran to possess a nuclear arsenal. This latest salvo coincides with escalating tensions surrounding the US government’s approach to Iran, with Trump’s MAGA movement at the forefront of the controversy.

In a statement relayed by Iran’s Fars news agency, the IRGC clarified that its forces have remained missile-silent throughout the ceasefire hours, with no projectiles launched at any foreign nation up to this point. This assertion comes in response to reports indicating damage at a Kuwait National Guard facility, allegedly caused by a drone. The IRGC attributed such incidents to either the “Zionist enemy” or the United States, should these reports be substantiated. According to the IRGC, a formal announcement would be made if Iranian forces were to engage any target.

Asserting a swift resolution, President Trump stated that oil production will commence, either with or without Iran’s involvement.
He emphasized that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon, crediting his efforts for this outcome.