Southern Lebanon strikes persist amid stalled US-Iran diplomatic overtures
Israeli military operations continue across multiple districts despite a US-brokered truce, while Tehran and Washington remain entrenched in conflicting positions ahead of critical talks in Washington.
Israeli air raids and artillery strikes targeted multiple locations in southern Lebanon on Friday, injuring one person and underscoring the fragility of a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement. The National News Agency of Lebanon reported that an air raid on the village of al-Bayyad in the Tyre district struck a main street near the Ali Kamal Suleiman Volunteer Centre, necessitating the hospitalisation of a single casualty.
Concurrent military activity was recorded across several districts, including a drone attack on Jebchit in Nabatieh, warplane strikes on Arid Dbeibin in Marjayoun, and an explosion in the Khiam plain. Artillery shelling was also reported near Buyout al-Sayyad, while warplanes attacked Qalaouiyah and drones operated at low altitudes over Baysariyeh in the Sidon district. These operations continue despite an earlier agreement contingent on the cessation of fire by Hezbollah.
The military escalation coincides with complex diplomatic manoeuvring between the United States and Iran. Iranian media reported a draft peace deal that would include ending the war in Lebanon, a claim subsequently denied by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, who characterised the reports as speculation. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has asserted that Iran does not speak on behalf of Lebanon, emphasising the government’s exclusion from direct US-Iran negotiations.
Political tensions within Lebanon are intensifying as the country prepares for security discussions with Israel in Washington on 22 June. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah criticised the government’s direct negotiations with Israel, arguing that concessions have failed to provide relief to the south. Fadlallah stated that any US-Iran agreement would apply to Lebanon regardless of local acceptance, vowing that resistance would continue until a viable political option is presented.
Diplomatic prospects remain constrained by significant sticking points, including the status of the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, and the lifting of sanctions. Al Jazeera reporter Tohid Asadi noted that while media outlets have cited a 14-point draft deal, the two sides remain far apart. Meanwhile, Israeli broadcaster Kan reported that Israel demands concrete action against Hezbollah outside the security zone before discussing troop withdrawal, complicating Lebanon’s demand for a full pullout.
Since the conflict escalated on 2 March, Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,711 people and wounded 11,483 in Lebanon. The Ministry of Public Health confirmed that the casualties include 247 children and 132 health workers, highlighting the severe humanitarian toll of the ongoing hostilities.
