Israeli warplanes have carried out dozens of strikes across southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, including Dahiyeh, as the military pushes deeper into the country to establish a military-controlled zone. These operations have resulted in significant casualties, with over 3,370 people killed and 1.2 million displaced. Recent drone strikes on Tuesday killed eight people, including a father and two children. Hezbollah has responded by attacking Israeli troops in southern Lebanese lands and targeting Haifa.
The escalation follows claims from US President Donald Trump that he brokered an agreement for Israel and Hezbollah to dial back fighting and stop all shooting. Trump stated he held a productive call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, persuading him to avoid an attack on Beirut. While some reports suggest Netanyahu agreed to halt operations near the capital and Hezbollah would stop attacks on Israel, neither side has publicly accepted the arrangement, and clashes persist.
In response to Israel's expanded ground assault, Iran has suspended indirect talks with the United States. Tehran has accused Israel of continuing crimes in Lebanon and asserted that any ceasefire breach on one front breaks the truce in general. Iranian officials have threatened the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the opening of new fronts, insisting that any peace deal with the US must include a halt to hostilities in Lebanon.
Despite the suspension of talks reported by Iranian media, President Trump maintains that negotiations with the Islamic Republic are continuing at a rapid pace. The UN has called for all sides to respect the ceasefire and is set to hold an emergency meeting. These developments occur as countries prepare for the next round of direct talks in Washington starting Tuesday.