16 Killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon as US-Iran Peace Talks face delay
At least 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon overnight, according to Lebanese authorities, as renewed fighting threatens to undermine the recently signed US-Iran peace agreement aimed at ending regional hostilities.
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported multiple casualties following the strikes, while the Israeli military confirmed that operations targeting positions in southern Lebanon were ongoing. The attacks come amid continued tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
The escalation has raised concerns over the future of the newly signed US-Iran memorandum of understanding, which calls for an immediate halt to military operations across the region, including Lebanon. Continued clashes risk complicating efforts to restore stability following months of conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israeli forces will continue operations until Hezbollah's military capabilities are neutralised, rejecting calls for a complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Meanwhile, planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland aimed at advancing a permanent peace framework have been postponed. Reports suggest the delay is linked to ongoing developments in Lebanon and concerns over regional security.
The latest violence underscores the fragile nature of the emerging diplomatic process and highlights the challenges facing efforts to achieve a broader and lasting peace in the Middle East.
