Israeli strikes hit five locations across southern and eastern Lebanon, killing three people and injuring 23, as tensions continued despite a US-backed truce with Hezbollah.

Three Killed In Strikes

Israeli forces carried out a series of strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon on Friday, killing three people and injuring 23, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The attacks hit five locations in the southern regions of Tyre and Nabatieh and in the eastern Bekaa Valley.

The strikes came despite a truce between Israel and Hezbollah and underscored the fragility of the arrangement reached earlier this year.

Lebanese officials said the casualties included civilians, with 15 people wounded in an attack on Rmadiyeh in the Tyre area. The injured included two children, three women and six rescuers.

Nabatieh Strike Kills Two

Two young men were killed in Nabatieh after an Israeli strike targeted them while they were travelling on a motorcycle, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported.

The attack came as Israeli military activity intensified around the Nabatieh region. Another strike was reported near the strategically important Ali al-Taher ridge.

The ridge has emerged as a major flashpoint in the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict because of its elevated position and suspected underground military infrastructure. Reuters reported that Israeli forces have been operating around the ridge and recently announced that they had cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels in the area.

Israel Tightens Control

Israel’s military said it had taken control of the Ali al-Taher ridge and was working to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its presence there.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military would continue efforts to stop what Israel considers Hezbollah’s attempts to restore its infrastructure in the area.

Hezbollah has not publicly confirmed that it has lost control of the ridge.

The development adds another layer of tension to negotiations aimed at maintaining the ceasefire and reducing the risk of a wider confrontation.

Fifteen Hurt In Rmadiyeh

One of the most serious attacks took place in Rmadiyeh, where a strike hit a building sheltering people displaced from other parts of southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said one person was killed and 15 were wounded. The casualties included children, women and rescuers who were responding to the attack.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of displaced families and emergency workers in areas that have already suffered extensive destruction.

Truce Remains Fragile

The latest strikes demonstrate that the ceasefire has not ended military activity along the Israel-Lebanon front.

The current conflict intensified in March after Hezbollah entered the wider regional confrontation by attacking Israel in support of Iran. Israel responded with airstrikes and ground operations across parts of Lebanon.

A framework agreement and US-backed diplomatic efforts in June helped reduce the intensity of fighting, but Israeli strikes and military operations have continued.

The latest escalation comes as Lebanon and Israel remain divided over Hezbollah’s weapons and Israel’s military presence in parts of southern Lebanon. Reuters reported that negotiations over the future of the area and Hezbollah’s disarmament remain stalled.

UN Warns Of Hardships

The continuing violence has added pressure on Lebanese communities attempting to return home after months of fighting.

UN humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza warned that families returning to Nabatieh face widespread destruction, limited basic services and continuing insecurity.

The situation is particularly difficult for displaced people who have returned to areas where homes and infrastructure remain damaged and where fresh military activity continues.

The latest strikes also come as international efforts seek confidence-building measures between Israel and Lebanon. On Friday, Israel released several Lebanese and Syrian detainees as part of a US-mediated arrangement, highlighting the parallel diplomatic efforts taking place despite continuing violence.

What Happens Next

The immediate concern is whether the latest Israeli strikes will trigger a renewed escalation with Hezbollah.

Israel has maintained that its military operations are intended to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding military infrastructure near the border. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has rejected efforts to force it to surrender its weapons while Israeli forces remain in Lebanese territory.

The deaths and injuries reported on Friday are likely to increase pressure on mediators to reinforce the ceasefire and address unresolved security arrangements.

With negotiations still underway, the latest Israel-Lebanon conflict shows that the truce remains vulnerable to further military escalation.

First LNG cargo in two months passes through strategic strait even as tensions persist; Tehran claims Washington's influence is waning

LNG Tanker Crosses Critical Waterway

The first liquefied natural gas shipment since the Iran war began two months ago has crossed the Strait of Hormuz and exited the Persian Gulf, ship-tracking data reviewed by Bloomberg showed on Tuesday.

The Mubaraz, which loaded LNG from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.'s Das Island facility in the UAE around early March, was spotted passing the southern tip of India, according to the report. The tanker had been idling inside the Persian Gulf before it stopped transmitting signals around March 31.

Energy markets have been watching the strait closely. About one-fifth of the world's oil normally flows through this waterway.

Iran Says US Influence Fading

Iran's defence ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik said on Tuesday that Washington is no longer in a position to dictate policy to other nations.

"The United States is no longer in a position to dictate its policy to independent countries," Talaei-Nik told state TV. He added that Washington would eventually "accept that it must abandon its illegal and irrational demands."

The remarks came as US officials weigh a new proposal from Tehran aimed at ending the West Asia war.

Rubio Calls Iranian Offer 'Better Than Expected'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that Tehran's latest proposal is "better than what was expected," though he stressed that any future agreement must permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

The White House confirmed the Iranian proposal is under discussion. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington's red lines remain in place while the offer is being considered.

Israeli Strikes Continue in Lebanon

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said its forces have destroyed more than 1,000 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, including booby-trapped structures and buildings allegedly used to store weapons. The military also claimed to have seized hundreds of weapons, including anti-tank missiles, rockets, and mortar shells.

The operations continue despite a three-week ceasefire extension announced by US President Donald Trump. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has declared that his group will continue its "defensive resistance for Lebanon and its people."

Global Impact Widens

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the strait's closure is being felt disproportionately across the Asia Pacific region due to energy supply disruptions. Oil prices edged higher again on Tuesday, with Brent crude futures rising to $108.68 per barrel.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for freedom of navigation in the waterway, warning that prolonged disruption risks triggering a global food emergency.

Digital Blackout Enters 60th Day

Monitoring group NetBlocks reported that Iran's digital darkness entered its 60th day on Tuesday, with the public largely cut off from the global internet. Tehran police separately said they had discovered a residential unit "equipped with Starlink" in the Yousefabad district, alleging it was used for "espionage activities."

What Comes Next

Diplomatic efforts continue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for his third visit to Pakistan in 48 hours, following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. The Gulf Cooperation Council will convene an exceptional summit in Jeddah later Tuesday.

Iranian FM Meets Pak Army Chief as US Pushes Indirect Talks

Islamabad Welcomes Araghchi

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in Islamabad today, greeted by Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Sources indicated the visit centres on regional peace efforts. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry confirmed discussions with senior leaders on ongoing developments. 

Araghchi aims to convey Tehran's "comprehensive" response via Pakistani intermediaries. No direct US talks are planned, despite White House hopes. This follows a fragile ceasefire after weeks of conflict.

US Envoys Arrive

US emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner headed to the Pakistani capital for in-person conversations. The White House sees this as a chance to restart negotiations. Iran, however, insists observations go through Pakistan only.

Tehran dismissed direct meetings outright. Officials stressed bilateral issues dominate Araghchi's agenda. Egypt and Pakistan voiced hopes for a stable truce during recent calls.

First Talks Fail

Pakistan hosted initial Iran-US talks on April 11-12, lasting 21 hours. Disagreements over Strait of Hormuz control and Iran's nuclear programme stalled progress. The US demands secure shipping lanes and nuclear curbs.

Iran defends its programme as peaceful, rejecting curbs. Tensions spiked after the US imposed a naval blockade. CENTCOM reported intercepting 33 vessels since April 13.

Hormuz Blockade Bites

Over 40 container ships remain stranded in the Gulf, hitting global trade hard. Firms like CMA CGM and MSC reroute, driving up costs. Panama Canal slots now fetch up to $4 million in auctions.

Oil prices surge as airlines warn of ticket hikes. British Airways cited jet fuel shortages. EU aviation authorities eye US-grade fuel imports. 

Iran Flexes Muscle

Defence Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik claimed Iran produces over 1,000 weapon types domestically, including missiles and drones. A "significant portion" of capabilities stays unused, he added. Facilities spread nationwide ensure continuity.

Iranian MP Ibrahim Azizi ruled out nuclear talks. Internal rifts emerge, with reports of negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's exit. Hardliner Saeed Jalili may replace him.

Regional Flashpoints

Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon towns, targeting Hezbollah sites despite ceasefire. Lebanon reported six deaths. IDF and Hezbollah trade violation accusations.

IRGC arrested 240 suspects in Kurdistan and Kermanshah raids, seizing arms. Iran hanged an alleged Israeli agent. Airports in Tehran and Mashhad resume limited flights.

Global Reactions Mount

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted on Hormuz control for world security. Treasury froze $344 million in Iran-linked crypto. Sanctions hit 40 Chinese shippers in Tehran's shadow fleet.

Germany deploys minesweepers for potential Hormuz ops. Russia accused US interventions of oil grabs. Shipping delays signal wider economic pain.

Future Talks Uncertain

Araghchi plans Oman and Russia visits next for coordination. Pakistan eyes a second round to ease escalation. Yet Tehran signals no compromise on core issues like nuclear rights or Hormuz influence.