US President Donald Trump on Tuesday confirmed that the crew of a US Army Apache helicopter that crashed near the Strait of Hormuz was safely rescued, even as tensions in West Asia remained high with Israel vowing to continue operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The incident involving the AH-64 Apache occurred on Monday while the helicopter was patrolling regional waters. Both pilots were rescued within hours and are in stable condition, according to US Central Command. Trump, speaking to reporters, assured that the crew members were unharmed and no injuries were reported. US military officials have initiated a probe into the cause, which remains unclear — whether due to a technical issue or hostile action. A detailed report is expected soon.

The crash comes at a delicate moment, with a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel showing signs of strain following recent escalations.

Trump Pushes for Quick West Asia Deal

President Trump expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that the US was in the "final throes" of brokering a significant peace agreement in West Asia. Speaking after attending an NBA Finals game, he told reporters the deal could materialise in "two or three days." He also mentioned a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting that Israel and Iran had agreed to "leave each other alone for another week."

Trump further warned Netanyahu to exercise caution, reportedly telling him that Israel risked being "on your own very soon" if actions jeopardised the broader US-brokered understanding with Tehran. Despite these differences, Trump projected confidence, hinting at a declaration of "total victory" over the Iran situation within two weeks.

 Israel Signals Continued Lebanon Operations

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made it clear that military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon would persist. In his first major comments after the recent Iran-Israel flare-up, Katz warned that Israel would strike Beirut if Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli territory. He also rejected Iranian threats, underscoring Israel's determination to counter the group.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for multiple strikes on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon on Monday, targeting troop positions and vehicles in areas including Beit Yahoun, Rachaf, Naqoura, and others. Lebanese sources reported Israeli strikes continuing in several towns, with casualties including civilians and civil defence personnel. At least four people were killed in attacks in southern Lebanon, according to the National News Agency.

Evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military for residents of Tyre and surrounding areas added to the humanitarian concerns. Rescuers have been focusing on moving vulnerable populations, including the elderly, to safer locations amid repeated strikes.

India Monitors Situation, Confirms Crew Rescue

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi issued statements on the regional conflict, calling for de-escalation and dialogue. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised diplomacy as the way forward to restore peace.

In a related maritime incident, the MEA confirmed the safe rescue of 24 Indian crew members from the disabled Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex off the coast of Oman. The vessel had some communication with the US Navy prior to the incident. All crew are reported safe.

Broader Regional Fallout

The developments have impacted markets, with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange slipping amid uncertainty over the US-Iran peace process. Oil prices edged higher on fears of renewed disruptions. Iran, for its part, warned of responses if attacks on Lebanon continued and reiterated support for Hezbollah. Tehran also acknowledged the deaths of two air defence personnel in Israeli strikes.

Analysts note that while a temporary pause in direct Iran-Israel exchanges holds, the situation in Lebanon remains volatile, with risks of wider escalation.

Diplomatic Nuances and Challenges

Reports of differences between Trump and Netanyahu have surfaced, with some former Israeli officials describing the relationship as diverging. However, Israel's ambassador to the US downplayed tensions, likening them to "lovers having a spat" while stressing aligned interests. Vice President JD Vance reiterated that the US was in a strong position for negotiations.

The coming days are expected to be crucial as Washington pushes for a comprehensive understanding, even as ground realities in Lebanon and lingering maritime incidents test the fragile stability.

Israel launched a fresh round of strikes across southern Lebanon on Tuesday, military and local sources said, even after a reportedly heated call in which US President Donald Trump berated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the escalation. The strikes and cross-border exchanges marked a fragile and volatile phase in a region already teetering under days of widening hostilities.

Early strikes, warnings

Israeli warplanes and drones struck towns in the Nabatieh and Tyre districts in the early hours, hitting residential areas and reportedly damaging homes, Lebanese state media and local correspondents said. The Israeli army issued evacuation orders for parts of Nabatieh city, urging civilians to move north of the Zahrani River ahead of planned operations. Lebanese health officials reported casualties from multiple incidents, including a drone strike that killed a dentist and two children on the Nabatieh-Khardali road.

According to Israeli military briefings, air defences also intercepted projectiles that crossed into northern Israel overnight, while a “suspicious aerial target” later fell inside Israeli territory near the border. No Israeli injuries were reported in those incidents.

US-Israel phone clash

The escalation came despite, and in some accounts because of, an intense phone call between Trump and Netanyahu, Reuters and Axios reported. The US president was said to have angrily questioned Israeli actions, warning they risked undermining sensitive diplomacy with Iran. Axios quoted Trump as asking, in expletive-laced language, “What the f are you doing?”

Israeli officials declined to comment directly on the tone of the call but Prime Minister Netanyahu told supporters late Monday that operations in southern Lebanon would continue “as planned.” The New York Times and Israeli media said that while Washington had sought to limit a wider assault—particularly on Beirut’s southern suburbs—Netanyahu maintained Israel would press on against Hezbollah positions in the south.

Diplomatic ripple effects

The strikes have already produced diplomatic fallout. Iran’s negotiating team briefly paused indirect talks with the US, Tehran’s semi-official Mehr News reported, warning that continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon could scuttle any memorandum of understanding in the works. Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told Lebanon’s Nabih Berri that Tehran would halt dialogue with Washington if the “crimes” in Lebanon persisted.

The situation has prompted regional measures: Bahrain barred citizens from travel to Iran and Iraq citing security concerns, while France publicly criticised Israel’s deep operations inside Lebanese territory. On the ground in Lebanon, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber warned that economic losses from the conflict could top $25 billion if hostilities continue.

Hezbollah, US proposal

Meanwhile, diplomatic channels have shown glimmers of possible de-escalation. Sources earlier said Hezbollah had agreed in principle to a US-backed ceasefire proposal that would pause airstrikes on southern Beirut suburbs in exchange for an end to rocket and drone attacks into Israel. Officials in Beirut told correspondents that Lebanese authorities were reviewing the offer and awaiting clearer guarantees from both sides.

Still, uncertainty remains. Israeli leaders have repeatedly said they reserve the right to strike “terror targets” in Beirut if Hezbollah attacks on Israeli civilians continue, comments that have raised alarm among Lebanese officials and neighbours.

Human cost, displacement

On the ground in southern Lebanon, residents described disrupted nights and mounting fear. Hospitals in Tyre and Nabatieh reported treating wounded from air raids and artillery strikes; local aid groups have warned that displacement is increasing as families flee to the north or seek shelter in larger towns. Humanitarian agencies are pressing for safe corridors but say the security environment and damaged infrastructure complicate relief efforts.

What happens next

Diplomats in Washington and regional capitals said negotiations and shuttling will intensify in the coming days, aiming to lock in any stopgap understandings that can prevent a wider confrontation. Officials close to the US administration told reporters they expect talks with Tehran could resume if attacks on Lebanon are contained, but Iranian sources cautioned that final texts were still under review.

For now, the conflict’s trajectory hinges on two immediate variables: whether Israel follows through on broader plans against Hezbollah strongholds beyond the south, and whether Tehran will link any US-Iran diplomatic progress to a halt in Israeli operations. As both sides weigh military steps against political calculations, civilians across northern Israel and southern Lebanon remain exposed to renewed strikes and displacement.

Iran Plans Charges for Ships in Strait of Hormuz as Conflict Fallout Mounts

Iran has signalled plans to impose charges on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with the United States continue. The move comes amid reports of significant humanitarian efforts inside Iran, where the Iranian Red Crescent says it has rescued over 7,200 people from rubble caused by air strikes.

US officials have strongly opposed any such toll system, describing the strait as an international waterway where fees would not be tolerated.

According to sources, the Iranian position reflects efforts to assert control over one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, through which a substantial portion of global oil trade passes. Traffic has already been significantly reduced due to ongoing threats, with the UK Maritime Trade Operations maintaining a “critical” threat level in the area.

Diplomatic Pushback from Washington

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that implementing a toll system would make any agreement with Iran far more difficult. President Donald Trump has echoed this stance, insisting the strait must remain open without restrictions.

The comments come as Trump expressed disappointment with certain NATO allies. Rubio specifically criticised Spain for not allowing the US to use its military bases during the conflict. “If a country does not allow the US to use its base, then why is it in NATO?” he remarked, indicating the issue is being taken seriously at the highest levels.

Humanitarian Toll Inside Iran

On the ground in Iran, the human cost of the air strikes remains visible. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported rescuing more than 7,200 individuals trapped under debris. Rescue teams have been working around the clock, pulling survivors from destroyed buildings in various parts of the country.

Videos shared by the organisation show volunteers navigating rubble in residential areas, offering a glimpse of the destruction left behind even after the main phase of strikes eased.

Pro-government rallies have continued across Iran, including large gatherings in Tehran’s Azadi Square, with demonstrators expressing support for the leadership and armed forces.

Oil Market Jitters and Global Ripple Effects

Oil prices climbed further on Friday, with Brent crude crossing $105 per barrel at one point, driven by fears over supply disruptions. While some optimism exists around potential resumption of around 1,600 oil vessels in the strait, doubts persist about any quick breakthrough in talks.

The situation has also affected India. Thousands of Indian migrant workers in Gulf countries are returning home as regional instability hits labour markets. Exports of items like garments, footwear and leather goods have weakened, adding pressure on jobs and remittances, a Reuters report noted.

Mediation Efforts Continue

Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic involvement. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Iran to discuss proposals aimed at resolving differences between the US and Iran.

Differences between Washington and Israel have also surfaced. While the US appears keen on de-escalation and a possible ceasefire, Israeli officials are said to favour sustained pressure.

Broader Regional Picture

US military forces in West Asia remain at peak readiness, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group active in the Arabian Sea. CENTCOM highlighted ongoing operations, including enforcement related to Iranian ports.

In southern Lebanon, the Israeli army reported eliminating two individuals in an air strike after spotting suspicious movement near the border. Separate incidents, including artillery strikes in western Syria, point to lingering volatility beyond the main US-Iran theatre.

France has urged caution on releasing more strategic oil reserves, citing uncertainty over the conflict’s duration. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure emphasised the need for clearer visibility before tapping limited national stocks.

As talks proceed, with some narrowing of gaps reported by Iranian sources, the coming days will be critical. Any resolution on the Strait of Hormuz and uranium stockpiles could determine whether the region moves towards calm or faces renewed disruption.

The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with markets, migrant communities and global energy flows watching closely for signs of progress.