Overview
- Israel carried out strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday that Lebanese authorities say killed civilians and wounded dozens, and hours later Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles that Israel said its air defenses intercepted.
- The IRGC described the launches as a “warning” and threatened broader responses against U.S. and Israeli targets if attacks on Iranian allies continue.
- U.S. Central Command said it destroyed Iranian drones that threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. forces remain on heightened alert across the region.
- Pakistan has intensified mediation efforts with envoys visiting Tehran and Lebanon’s army chief traveling to Islamabad even as President Donald Trump, who has been briefed, urged Iran to return to talks and asked Israel to show restraint.
- The exchanges deepen a stalemate over a negotiated settlement because Iran insists any deal must halt fighting in Lebanon and release frozen assets while the U.S. demands nuclear assurances, and the disruptions are already causing civilian harm in Lebanon and risks to maritime trade.