BEHIND THE LINES: The decision by Zaidan’s allies to integrate their armed elements into state security forces represents an effort by a pro-Iranian element to consolidate its power.
During his interview with Christiane Amanpour, Aoun asked Israelis if they truly want to live in "perpetual war." He then said that negotiations are a "huge opportunity" for both countries.
The exchange comes amid heightened tensions over maritime security around Iran.
An official explained that a major problem has arisen due to on-the-ground dynamics. "Hamas is dragging its feet, and the US is finding it difficult to apply leverage on it," he noted.
On the matter of Lebanon, Trump told reporters that he believed progress was being made between Israel and Lebanon and that Lebanon deserved to have peace.
Israel to continue Lebanon operations • Trump does not 'need deal' to reach Iran's uranium, he says • Netanyahu backs GOP plan to phase out US military aid to Israel
The UN said two other peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were wounded in the incident, one from El Salvador and the other from Spain.
The Wall Street Journal reported in March that Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, located roughly 4,000 km from Iran.
Kaja Kallas announced the EU is giving €100M to Lebanon’s military to reinforce its forces, empower institutions, and reduce Hezbollah’s influence in the country.
Iran’s Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani demanded Israel withdraw from Lebanon, warning that supporting Hezbollah is a duty and stressing the region’s ongoing tensions.
Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem warned northern Israel will not be safe as long as Lebanese villages are bombed and civilians continue to be killed.
