US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

The Trump administration is hinting at a possible withdrawal from NATO, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the alliance’s lack of backing during the US-Israeli conflict with Iran has left a lasting impression. Leavitt emphasized that the recent military operation against Iran served as a litmus test for the alliance’s commitment, and it failed to meet expectations. The administration is reportedly preparing for a candid discussion with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, as President Trump continues to navigate his complex relationship with the alliance. Trump’s history with NATO has been marked by both successes, such as pressuring allies to increase defence spending, and controversies, including his threat to use military force to reclaim Greenland from Denmark. With tensions with Iran momentarily subsided, Trump’s attention has shifted back to NATO, sparking concerns about the future of the alliance.

Reports from Al Jazeera Arabic indicate that Israeli military units have conducted a fresh assault on the southern outskirts of Beirut, a development that follows a series of airstrikes targeting the Lebanese towns of Safad Al-Battikh, Majdal Selem, Chaqra, and Kherbet Selem.

According to Iranian state media reports, the IRGC Navy has outlined designated navigation routes within the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at minimizing the risk of sea mines for passing vessels. The IRGC Navy’s directive, as relayed by the ISNA news agency, instructs all ships planning to traverse the strait to collaborate with the naval forces in adopting these alternative routes.

In a scathing rebuke, Oman’s Foreign Ministry issued a stern condemnation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, labeling them as egregious breaches of international law and a brazen affront to Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The ministry’s statement, released on Wednesday, characterized the attacks as heinous war crimes that have resulted in a staggering loss of life, sparking an outpouring of concern from Oman over the devastating consequences of these brutal assaults.
Oman is now calling on the international community to take swift action, holding Israel fully accountable for its actions.

A notable development has emerged in the US’s diplomatic efforts in Pakistan, with JD Vance set to lead the negotiating team. This shift in leadership comes as the US vice president returns early from Hungary, where he was observing the election, to spearhead the negotiations. The move is significant, as it marks a departure from the previous leadership structure, which had been headed by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, two close advisers to the president. The Iranians had expressed a preference for Vance to lead the negotiations, citing past instances where the US had taken military action against Iran while in the midst of talks with Kushner and Witkoff. As a result, Vance’s appointment may signal a slight adjustment in the US’s approach, one that aligns more closely with Iran’s preferences.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani recently held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on the imperative of maintaining the current ceasefire, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
During the call, the two leaders also addressed the recent assault on Lebanon, expressing deep concern over its repercussions on regional stability and emphasizing the need for collective efforts to prevent such attacks and safeguard civilian lives.
The conversation also touched on the tragic incident involving the killing of a French military officer in Iraq, which has been linked to the escalating conflict in the region.
In the context of this incident, al-Sudani pointed out that Iraqi security forces have apprehended those responsible for the drone attack near Erbil, which resulted in the officer’s death while he was stationed in Iraq as part of an international coalition combating ISIL (ISIS).

British Prime Minister Starmer has underscored the necessity for further diplomatic progress to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and achieve a lasting peace agreement following the US-Iran ceasefire. During high-level meetings with Gulf leaders, Starmer emphasized the importance of stabilizing global energy markets through sustained diplomatic efforts.

Observers note that JD Vance’s comments suggest the US has not committed to addressing the situation in Lebanon as part of its existing agreements.
As a result, there appears to be a lack of clarity on the matter.
A recurring pattern has emerged, where Israel launches a series of intense strikes against its targets just before a ceasefire is implemented.
This strategy can be seen as Israel’s final salvo before it is compelled to withdraw or chooses to do so.
The question remains whether the US will exert pressure on Israel to adhere to any agreements that may have been made regarding a ceasefire in Lebanon, particularly in light of Vance’s apparent stance on the issue.

Nabih Berri, Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker, denounced the Israeli assault on residential areas as a flagrant war atrocity.
Hezbollah asserted its legitimate right to retaliate against the attacks.
Qatar’s foreign ministry strongly denounced the brutal sequence of Israeli strikes that resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives.
For further international reactions to the catastrophic assault, click here.

French President Macron emphasized to Iranian and US leaders that Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire is crucial for achieving a lasting peace, describing it as the “best possible” decision. He expressed his optimism that the ceasefire will be upheld by all parties involved, including in Lebanon, to maintain its credibility. According to Macron, this is a fundamental requirement for a lasting peace. Furthermore, any agreement must address Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, as well as its regional policies and actions hindering navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Macron’s stance on Iran has been consistent, with him previously opposing military action and labeling suggestions of joint military action to open the Strait of Hormuz as unrealistic.