Israel Strikes Targets in Lebanon; US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Called Off
Israel launched strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, while planned US-Iran talks on implementing a ceasefire agreement were canceled, threatening the fragile deal.
The Israeli military announced it was attacking Hezbollah in several areas across southern Lebanon, carrying out strikes throughout Thursday night. The military said the operations targeted "Hezbollah terrorists and infrastructure sites" in response to "repeated violations of the ceasefire" by the Iran-backed group. Lebanese state media reported at least 16 people were killed in the strikes, and Hezbollah confirmed its fighters were engaged in fresh clashes with Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, talks scheduled for Friday between the US and Iran on implementing a 14-point agreement to end their war were canceled, Switzerland's foreign ministry announced. Vice President JD Vance postponed his trip to Switzerland, casting uncertainty over next steps. Iran's Tasnim news agency said "nothing has been confirmed" regarding the Iranian delegation's travel. A White House spokesperson said the US looks forward to starting "technical talks as soon as possible."
Vance lashed out at Israeli critics of the Iran deal, stating that Donald Trump "is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time." Trump posted on social media that the US expects "a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israel."
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said he approved the deal despite having a "different view," citing assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian about protecting Iran's rights and the resistance front. Khamenei claimed Trump had used "all kinds of levers" to secure the deal "out of desperation." US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Washington would restart military action and reimpose a blockade if Iran fails to meet its commitments.
Iran announced plans to introduce a system of maritime fees in the Strait of Hormuz after a 60-day negotiation period triggered by the signing of the memorandum of understanding. Tehran said the strait is under its control and that a European naval escort mission would not be welcome. US Central Command announced it had ended its blockade of the strait, which had been in effect since April 13, with at least seven ships crossing on Thursday.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she was representing the bloc's position on the Middle East after Israel severed diplomatic relations over allegations she compared the country to apartheid South Africa.
