Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israel's continued strikes in Lebanon and alleged violations of a ceasefire agreement. This move comes as both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of breaching the truce, with casualties rising in southern Lebanon.
An Israeli soldier was killed and seven others, including a colonel, were injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) struck a vehicle during combat operations in southern Lebanon. The attack, attributed to Iran-backed Hezbollah, also involved explosive-laden drones.
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the handling of military operations in Lebanon, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of the conflict and the escalating civilian death toll.
'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that the Israeli military will not withdraw from its security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, directly opposing the newly announced American-led diplomatic framework with Tehran. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir further asserted Israel's sovereignty, stating, "Trump's agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation!"
The US military carried out 'self-defence strikes' targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, even as President Trump announced progress in ceasefire negotiations, stating Iran's enriched uranium will be 'turned over' or destroyed.
The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.
Lebanon's health ministry said that women, children and medics were among those who were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, according to CNN report. Earlier, the Israeli army announced it struck about 300 targets across Lebanon on Monday.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) intensified its campaign in Lebanon with targeted airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut, hitting key weapons depots and terror infrastructure overnight, according to a report by Times of Israel.
