Live Updates: Iran War News — Trump Says Agreement Could Be Signed Sunday, Tehran Pushes Back on Timing
Fighting intensified in southern Lebanon on Saturday as Israeli airstrikes and ground operations continued alongside Hezbollah attacks on Israeli military positions, even as hopes grew that any broader agreement involving the United States and Iran could also help end the conflict in Lebanon. Israeli strikes hit at least 19 areas, including Tyre, Jezzine and Nabatiyeh, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency, and a raid killed the mayor of Al-Rihan in the south. Two other people were also reported killed in separate attacks. Israeli aircraft additionally struck towns including Seddiqine, Borj Qalaouiyah, Majdal Zoun and Al-Kanisa, with one raid hitting a church, the NNA said.
The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for residents in four southern areas: Ghassaniyah, Zarrariyah, Kothriyah Al-Reez Farm and Sir Al-Gharbiyah. The United Nations has previously warned that broad evacuation orders of this kind could amount to prohibited forced displacement. The Israeli military said it had struck more than 70 Hezbollah infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon over the previous 24 hours. Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it carried out 19 attacks on Israeli army posts between Friday and Saturday, underscoring the continued tit-for-tat escalation.
Diplomatic efforts remained uncertain. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Iranian state television that any memorandum of understanding with the United States must include a resolution for Lebanon and other conflict fronts, while Hezbollah said it expected Iran to insist that Lebanon be part of any deal. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected the idea of withdrawing from occupied areas in Lebanon and said Israeli forces would continue to act against threats near and far.
The fighting has taken a heavy toll. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said Israeli attacks have killed 3,756 people and injured 11,632 since March 2. The Israeli military said 30 soldiers and 24 civilians have been killed on the Israeli side. The violence comes amid regional uncertainty and growing speculation over whether any US-Iran agreement could broaden to include a ceasefire in Lebanon, but no breakthrough has yet been announced.
