Hezbollah

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched fresh waves of airstrikes across Lebanon, hitting more than 70 hezbollah infrastructure sites, using around 85 munitions

In a decisive military operation, Israel has taken out Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed chief of Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades, who played a crucial role in the October 7 assaults. This action is part of a broader campaign targeting Hamas leadership figures like Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh.

A potential 60-day ceasefire extension between the US and Iran is nearing, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow Iranian oil exports. This deal, brokered by Pakistan, includes lifting US port blockades and sanctions waivers, contingent on Iran negotiating its nuclear program and ending the Israel-hezbollah conflict. Global oil markets are closely monitoring developments.

Israeli forces have released footage of hezbollah living quarters in southern Lebanon, highlighting ongoing tensions despite a ceasefire. The IDF reported striking over 100 targets, including weapons caches and tunnel routes, amidst an escalating drone war.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday said a return to war with the United States was unlikely, while warning that the Islamic republic stood ready against any attack. "The possibility of war is low because of the enemy's weakness, the armed forces are lying in wait with full magazines," said Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying.

hezbollah launched 17 operations against Israeli targets in southern Lebanon, including drone and missile strikes, hitting military vehicles and tanks. Meanwhile, Israel reported intercepting a drone and facing anti-tank missiles and mortar fire. hezbollah's leader vowed continued resistance, emphasizing their military strength is a domestic issue amid ongoing, volatile hostilities.

Is an Iran deal actually close, or is Trump prepared to wait? Here’s what we know about what each side may give up on the six issues that matter most

Intense diplomatic efforts are underway to secure an agreement between the US and Iran, aiming to end the Middle East conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease energy market pressures. Despite claims of progress, significant disagreements persist over uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and regional influence, leaving a final deal uncertain.

hezbollah's chief, Naim Qassem, has firmly positioned the group's military prowess as an internal Lebanese issue, outright rejecting discussions with Israel. He has promised an enduring fight, declaring his intent to turn the conflict into a nightmare for Israeli forces.

Defence analysts warn the issue is not just the quantity of weapons today but the speed at which industry can regenerate what has been used. A single week of heavy combat in either theatre can consume months of production output for certain precision munitions and interceptors. This has transformed a temporary logistical challenge into a broader strategic concern.

Questions are mounting over Supreme Leader Khamenei's direct involvement in Iran's ongoing US negotiations, with reports citing "serious ambiguities" about coordination. This uncertainty follows trips by Iranian officials and a reluctance to hold talks in Tehran or Pakistan, fueling speculation about who is directing the diplomatic process amid heightened Gulf tensions and ongoing clashes.

Amidst rising tensions, Israeli troops executed a high-stakes operation near the Litani River, striking key hezbollah positions and arms depots. Officials indicated that the clash resulted in the neutralization of various militants as forces engaged in direct combat, affecting over 100 installations. This military action raises concerns given the existing ceasefire, with both parties experiencing losses since its commencement.

A drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear plant, originating from Iraq, has heightened regional escalation fears. Analysts believe Iran-backed militias are a key front in Tehran's confrontation with the US and Israel. The strike, condemned as a terrorist act, forced backup systems at the plant to activate, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure amid rising tensions.

hezbollah's deployment of fibre-optic FPV drones along Israel's northern border presents a significant defence challenge. These small, low-flying drones bypass jamming systems, making them difficult to detect and intercept. Israel is racing to develop countermeasures against this evolving threat, which has already resulted in casualties and damage to military assets.

hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared Tuesday that the group's weaponry is off-limits for any Lebanese-Israeli negotiations, asserting it's an internal matter. He vowed to make the battlefield "hell" for Israeli forces, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to defending Lebanon. This strong stance comes ahead of crucial talks in Washington, as conflict persists.

A senior commander from hezbollah's elite force was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs on Wednesday, the first on the area in nearly a month, a source close to the group said.on condition of anonymity that "Malek Ballout, the operations commander in the Radwan force" was killed.

An IRGC-trained operative, allegedly seeking revenge for Qasem Soleimani's death, was arrested in Turkey and extradited to the US. Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi is accused of plotting to assassinate Ivanka Trump, even possessing a blueprint of her Florida home. He reportedly made threats against Americans online.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed 380 people since a ceasefire in the Israel-hezbollah war began on April 17, Lebanon'on Tuesday. A ministry official said that "380 people, including 22 children and 39 women, have been killed in strikes on Lebanon since the ceasefire came into effect", out of a total of around 2,900 people killed since the war erupted on March 2.

Iran's Supreme Leader has ordered the country's near-weapons-grade enriched uranium stockpile to remain within Iran, complicating peace talks. This directive hardens Tehran's stance, as the US and Israel demand its removal. The move comes amid ongoing regional conflict and deep suspicion of further US airstrikes.

Mediators are facilitating fresh US-Iran negotiations on a draft memorandum aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. The proposed agreement includes a multi-billion dollar reconstruction package for Iran's economy and a temporary non-aggression arrangement, with nuclear talks deferred to a later phase.