Iran has stopped communicating with the United States through mediation in protest against Israel’s actions in Lebanon. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency stated that there will be no dialogue until Iran’s demands for an immediate halt to Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon are met. Iran and its allies have planned to block the Strait of Hormuz and activate other fronts, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement ordering military strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. This decision followed Hezbollah’s violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon, including rocket and drone attacks on northern Israeli cities. Israel’s Channel 12 News reported that the United States granted Israel’s request to expand military activities in Lebanon, allowing airstrikes in the capital city.
The United States has accused Hezbollah of obstructing efforts to reach a ceasefire with Israel, alleging that the Iran-backed group is prolonging the conflict by continuing attacks despite a US-supported proposal for de-escalation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in diplomatic discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to facilitate peace talks between Israel and Lebanon. The US proposed a clear path to de-escalation, emphasizing that Hezbollah must cease all attacks on Israel to avoid further escalation in Beirut.
