Israel intensified its military campaign in Lebanon on Thursday, dismissing global calls to extend a fragile US-Iran truce to the war-torn country. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 203 killed and 1,000 wounded in recent strikes, while Iran’s parliament speaker warned Tehran views Lebanon as a critical part of any ceasefire agreement.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared Lebanon an “inseparable part of the ceasefire,” vowing decisive action against any violations. His warning came as Tehran’s nuclear agency ruled out uranium enrichment restrictions demanded by Washington, complicating peace talks. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued strikes, stating, “Anyone who acts against Israeli civilians will face our full force.”
International Outrage Grows Over Lebanon Escalation
Global leaders condemned Israel’s strikes, with EU diplomat Kaja Kallas urging the truce’s expansion to Lebanon. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot labeled the attacks “unacceptable,” while British counterpart Yvette Cooper echoed demands for a broader ceasefire. Lebanon’s prime minister declared Thursday a national day of mourning, condemning the “defenseless civilians” targeted in Israeli raids.
Hezbollah Fires Rockets as Truce Hangs in Balance
Hezbollah responded by launching rockets toward Israel, accusing Tel Aviv of breaking the truce. US Vice President JD Vance backed Israel’s exclusion of Lebanon from negotiations, stating, “If Iran wants to derail talks over Lebanon, that’s their choice.” However, Ghalibaf suggested Iran may reconsider negotiations, calling the current basis for talks “violated.”
As diplomatic tensions rise, Iran’s announcement of alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz—critical for global oil supplies—raised alarms. The White House condemned reports of a potential blockade, calling it “completely unacceptable.” Meanwhile, UN rights chief Volker Turk described Beirut’s recent strikes as “horrific,” recounting scenes of panicked civilians fleeing smoke-filled streets.
However, Israel announced it would soon start direct talks with Lebanon to resolve its conflict with Hezbollah, following massive strikes on Beirut and other Lebanese cities.
With high-stakes talks in Pakistan looming, the fragile truce’s future remains uncertain amid escalating rhetoric and military action.
