Coverage of events across the Middle East region.
An Israeli army captain was killed during clashes with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, just two days after Israel and Lebanon signed an agreement to end hostilities. The incident underscores the fragile security situation along the border despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The United States has claimed it carried out airstrikes on multiple military targets inside Iran following an incident involving a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported explosions in the southern coastal city of Sirik, while authorities said investigations are ongoing and the situation remains tense.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the U.S.-brokered peace agreement with Lebanon as a "historic achievement," saying it weakens Iran and Hezbollah while reaffirming that Israeli forces will remain inside a security zone in southern Lebanon until armed groups are disarmed.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has rejected the U.S.-brokered Israel–Lebanon framework agreement, calling it a "grave mistake" and accusing Beirut of legitimizing Israeli occupation. He also reaffirmed that Hezbollah would continue its armed resistance despite the new agreement.
Iran has claimed strikes on US-linked targets following American air operations in southern Iran. The US had earlier announced attacks on Iranian drone and missile facilities, further escalating tensions between the two sides in the Gulf region amid concerns over a fragile ceasefire.
The United States has announced airstrikes targeting Iranian missile, drone, and coastal radar facilities, describing the operation as a response to a drone attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the region.
A cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, prompting maritime authorities to suspend an IMO evacuation operation for over 11,000 seafarers while investigations into the incident continue.
US airstrikes in northwest Syria have killed a senior ISIS leader, CENTCOM confirmed, as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations targeting militants planning attacks against US interests.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says Israel secretly smuggled Starlink receivers into Iran to help anti-government protesters stay connected online.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved as long as Iran-backed groups continue missile and drone attacks from Iraq. He also rejected any attempt to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an international waterway under global law, as he began a Gulf tour including Kuwait and Bahrain.
Iran says it has arrested more than 3,000 people on allegations of collaborating with Israel, with authorities claiming hundreds were involved in operational or media-related activities. The judiciary said charges have been filed against more than 1,000 suspects as a broader crackdown continues under the country's tightened espionage laws.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said the Iran-backed group will continue its "defensive operations" against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, rejecting Israel's military presence in the area. His remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops would remain in southern Lebanon as long as necessary to protect northern Israel.
