Here are the latest developments related to the war in the Middle East, following the ceasefire in Lebanon and Iran’s decision to relock the Strait of Hormuz in response to the American blockade.
– An Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon The Israeli army announced on Sunday the death of one of its soldiers “in combat” in southern Lebanon, the second since the ceasefire came into effect on Friday, and the 15th since the start of hostilities against the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement.
– “Progress” in negotiations, but “many differences” persist, according to Iran Peace negotiations between Iran and the United States have “made progress” but a final agreement is “still far away,” said Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Saturday, who represented Iran in recent talks.
“We have made progress in the negotiations, but there are still many differences and some fundamental issues remain unresolved,” he said in a lengthy interview on Iranian television.
– UN chief condemns attack on French peacekeepers UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemned” the attack that cost the life of a French peacekeeper in southern Lebanon and wounded three others.
The soldier killed on Saturday is the second French soldier to die since the start of the war in late February. Three other soldiers were injured, two of them seriously, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
– Shooting and threats against ships, India summons Iranian ambassador The Revolutionary Guards warned that any ship approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be “targeted” by Tehran.
Several ships had previously faced gunfire and threats from Iranian forces while trying to cross it. Among them were two Indian-flagged vessels, according to New Delhi, which summoned the Iranian ambassador in response.
– Lebanon: Hezbollah promises to retaliate against Israeli attacks The leader of the pro-Iranian Lebanese Hezbollah movement pledged to retaliate against Israeli attacks in Lebanon, where a ceasefire is officially in effect.
“A ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostilities. As we do not trust this enemy, the resistance fighters will remain on the ground, ready to respond to violations,” he said in a televised statement.
The Israeli army had earlier announced the establishment of a “red line” in southern Lebanon, as in Gaza, and had “eliminated a terrorist cell” operating near its troops. According to the official Lebanese news agency, the Israeli army also carried out demolitions of buildings in southern Lebanon.
– Hezbollah denies attacking French peacekeepers Hezbollah denied any involvement in the deadly attack on French peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, after France pointed fingers at them.
“Hezbollah denies any link to the incident that occurred with the UNIFIL,” the pro-Iranian group said in a statement, urging to “exercise caution (…) before assigning blame.”
