Hormuz and Lebanon Escalation Today: Trump Signals China Deal as Strikes Hit Southern Lebanon
Hormuz and Lebanon escalation today is entering a more dangerous phase as Donald Trump speaks about understandings with China regarding Iran and freedom of navigation, while Israeli airstrikes, rockets and sirens continue across the Lebanese front.
📌 Previous Coverage: English
🔴 Hormuz and Lebanon Escalation Today | Live Coverage
🔴 23:59 | Hezbollah
Trump’s aides have prepared plans to return to military strikes on Iran if he decides to break the deadlock with more bombing.
The president has not yet made a decision regarding his next steps concerning Iran.
Administration options include harsher bombing campaigns targeting military sites and infrastructure in Iran.
Special forces may be used in an attempt to seize control of Kharg Island.
Among the options is sending special forces inside Iran to target buried nuclear materials.
In the event of seizing control of Kharg Island, ground forces would be required to hold it.
The infrastructure on the target list is directly linked to Revolutionary Guard operations.
US military officials acknowledge in private sessions that achieving a decisive victory over Iran may prove to be a difficult task.
🔴 23:37 | Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam
The state is only built on a single national decision and a single weapon, which is the weapon of the Lebanese army.
Enough of absurd adventures in service of external projects, the latest of which was a war we did not choose but was imposed upon us.
The real rescue of Lebanon lies in returning to the logic of the state and respecting its constitution.
After all the killing, destruction, and displacement that has occurred, there are those who come out calling that a victory.
🔴 22:40 | Israeli military
We have issued an order declaring the Ras al-Naqoura coast a closed military zone.
🔴 22:32 | Lebanese Negotiating Delegation
The parties have agreed to extend the existing ceasefire for 45 days.
Extending the ceasefire and launching a security track under American auspices provides a margin of stability.
Extending the ceasefire and launching a security track opens a political path toward lasting calm and stability.
Lebanon will continue its constructive engagement in the negotiations while adhering to its sovereignty and protecting the security of its citizens.
We affirm our commitment to reaching an agreement that fully restores Lebanon’s sovereignty and guarantees the security of all citizens.
Our goal is to transform the current ceasefire momentum into a comprehensive and lasting agreement that preserves the dignity of the Lebanese people.
- We adhere to a verifiable implementation mechanism with American guarantees to fulfill commitments without compromising sovereignty.
🔴 22:15 | Lebanon
An Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Al-Mansouri.
🔴 22:13 | Lebanon
An Israeli airstrike targets the city of Sour directly following evacuation warnings.
🔴 22:04 | Lebanon
An Israeli airstrike targets the Maaraka junction in the Sour district amid ongoing escalation and evacuation warnings in southern Lebanon.
🔴 22:02 | Walla website citing a source
The Israeli army’s Operations Division raises the state of alert on all fronts following the assassination attempt on Izz ad-Din al-Haddad.
🔴 21:40 | Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation citing a source
Israel has informed the United States that it is hunting Izz ad-Din al-Haddad.
🔴 21:29 | US State Department
Extending the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon for 45 days to enable further progress.
We will resume the political track of negotiations on June 2 and 3.
A security track will be launched at the Pentagon on May 29 with military delegations from both countries.
🔴 20:22 | Netanyahu and Katz
The Israeli army has assassinated the Hamas military leader Izz ad-Din al-Haddad in Gaza.
🔴 20:19 | Israel’s Channel 12
Sirens sounded 20 times in the Galilee today, and drones fell in Nahariya, Kiryat Shmona, and Metula.
🔴 19:16 | Trump to Fox News
I did not underestimate Iran’s capacity to endure.
We have dealt Iran extremely severe blows, beyond belief.
We have kept Iran’s bridges and power plants intact, and we can completely destroy all of that in just two days.
🔴 19:13 | A US State Department official
The atmosphere of the second day of the Lebanon-Israel talks is very positive and exceeded expectations.
🔴 19:08 | Hezbollah
We targeted an Israeli gathering on the Al-Bayada – Naqoura road in southern Lebanon with dive-bomb drones.
We targeted an Israeli D9 bulldozer in the town of Rashaf in southern Lebanon with a dive-bomb drone.
🔴 18:43 | Israel’s Channel 12
A fire broke out in Ras al-Naqoura as a result of the missile interceptions in the area.
🔴 18:42 | Southern Lebanon
A new Israeli airstrike on the town of Harouf in the Nabatieh district.
🔴 18:36 | Hezbollah
Targeting an Israeli force positioned near Birkat al-Marij in the town of Houla, southern Lebanon, with dive-bomb drones.
🔴 18:20 | Israel’s Channel 12
Fragments of missile interceptions fell at two sites in Kiryat Shmona.
🔴 18:12 | Lebanon
An Israeli airstrike on the town of Arab al-Jal in the Sidon district of southern Lebanon.
🔴 18:08 | Israeli media
Intercepting missiles were launched in the skies of Nahariya.
🔴 17:23 | Hormuz / Arabian Sea — International Pressure
International moves around the Strait of Hormuz intensified after China called for the rapid reopening of the waterway, while France confirmed the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is deployed in the Arabian Sea for a potential maritime security mission.
▪️ Beijing urged Washington and Tehran to continue talks
▪️ China called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz quickly
▪️ France confirmed the Charles de Gaulle carrier is in the Arabian Sea
▪️ Mission could involve restoring maritime security in Hormuz
▪️ Pakistan said nationals were returned from vessels seized by US forces
Global Pressure Builds Around Hormuz
🔴 17:05 | Hormuz — Shipping Disruption
US Central Command said it rerouted 75 commercial vessels and halted four others since the start of the maritime blockade linked to the Iran crisis, highlighting growing concerns over regional shipping and energy security.
▪️ Washington says 75 commercial ships were rerouted
▪️ Four vessels were halted since the maritime blockade began
▪️ Concerns are rising over trade and energy flows through Hormuz
▪️ Developments come amid mounting diplomatic pressure on Tehran
Hormuz Shipping Risks Escalate
🔴 17:05 | South Lebanon — Escalating Strikes
Israeli strikes continued across southern Lebanon targeting Kfartebnit, Zrariyeh and Kharayeb, while Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported rising casualties from the ongoing attacks.
▪️ Three Israeli strikes hit Kfartebnit
▪️ Additional strikes targeted Zrariyeh and Kharayeb
▪️ Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported 37 wounded in Tyre district strikes
▪️ Total toll since March 2 reached 2,951 dead and 8,988 wounded
▪️ The UN warned civilians are paying a growing price despite the ceasefire
Lebanon Front Escalation Continues
🔴 17:05 | Lebanon Border — Cross-Border Fire
Hezbollah said it shelled an Israeli troop gathering in Qawzah, while the Israeli military announced intercepting a drone launched from Lebanon toward the Golan Heights.
▪️ Hezbollah reported artillery fire on Israeli troop positions in Qawzah
▪️ Israeli army said it intercepted a drone over the Golan
▪️ Hezbollah official described operations as a response to Israeli violations
▪️ Group linked any future ceasefire to Israeli actions on the ground
Northern Front Tensions Intensify
🔴 16:18 | Washington — Diplomatic Track
Lebanese and Israeli delegations arrived at the US State Department for the second day of negotiations, as military escalation continues along the southern Lebanon front.
▪️ A new round of US-mediated talks is underway
▪️ Negotiations come amid intensified strikes and border clashes
▪️ Washington is seeking to contain tensions and prevent wider escalation
▪️ Diplomatic efforts coincide with growing regional pressure
Diplomatic Efforts Continue Amid Escalation
🔴 16:02 | South Lebanon — Drone Strike
Hezbollah said it targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers with a drone near the Deir Siryan river area in southern Lebanon, amid ongoing escalation along the border front.
🔴 15:49 | South Lebanon — Multi-Front Escalation
Southern Lebanon witnessed intensified fighting as Israeli strikes targeted several towns while Hezbollah announced drone and rocket attacks against Israeli forces near the border.
▪️ Incendiary bombing reported in Zoutar al-Sharqiya
▪️ Israeli strikes hit Debaal, Yohmor al-Shaqif and Froun
▪️ Hezbollah said it targeted a Merkava tank with a drone near Naqoura
▪️ Group also reported rocket and artillery fire on Israeli troops in Rashaf
▪️ Israeli army said it intercepted a projectile aimed at forces in southern Lebanon
▪️ Israel’s army chief described the conflict as a “multi-front battle”
Northern Front Escalation Intensifies
🔴 15:49 | Washington / Berlin / Tehran — Hormuz Pressure
Western pressure on Iran intensified over its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump stressed the need to push Tehran back to negotiations and prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons.
▪️ Merz said he and Trump agreed Iran must return to talks
▪️ Berlin called for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping
▪️ Trump rejected any proposal granting Iran “any nuclear capability”
▪️ US Energy Secretary linked maritime freedom in Hormuz to a deal with Tehran
▪️ Washington discussed alternative pipelines and regional energy routes
Hormuz and Energy Risks Remain High
🔴 14:22 | Washington / Tehran — Nuclear Escalation
US President Donald Trump sharply escalated rhetoric toward Iran, saying Tehran would “never obtain a nuclear weapon” and claiming Washington had destroyed a major part of Iran’s missile and military capabilities, while also signaling possible sanctions relief tied to Iranian oil trade.
🔴 14:12 | Western Bekaa — Expanding Strikes
Local reports said an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Sohmor in Lebanon’s Western Bekaa
🔴 14:05 | South Lebanon — Evacuation Warning
The Israeli military issued an urgent evacuation warning for residents in several southern Lebanese towns, urging civilians to move at least one kilometer away as airstrikes and military escalation continue across the Tyre and southern fronts.
▪️ Warning covered Ain Baal, Kharayeb, Zrariyeh, Arabsalim and Arab al-Jal
🔴 13:51 | Tyre District — Expanding Air Campaign
Israeli airstrikes intensified across the Tyre district in southern Lebanon, targeting Housh, Abbasiyeh, Maachouk, Shabriha, Shaaitiyeh and Tayr Falsayh in one of the heaviest waves of strikes in the area today.
▪️ Multiple coordinated strikes reported across Tyre district
▪️ Attacks hit Housh, Abbasiyeh, Maachouk and Shabriha
▪️ Additional strikes reported near Shaaitiyeh and Tayr Falsayh
▪️ Escalation follows Israeli statements about targeting Hezbollah infrastructure
South Lebanon Escalation Today
🔴 13:50 | Tehran / Washington — Diplomatic Pressure
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said chances for a diplomatic settlement remain possible despite the risk of a return to full-scale war, adding that the enriched uranium issue had been postponed to a later phase of talks with Washington due to its complexity.
▪️ Tehran says negotiations remain hindered by mistrust
▪️ Araghchi says Iran is prepared for both diplomacy and escalation scenarios
▪️ Iran says Hormuz remains open with security coordination for shipping
▪️ Trump said he would accept a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program if genuinely enforced
▪️ Tehran says Washington sent messages signaling willingness to continue dialogue
Hormuz and Nuclear Talks Under Pressure
🔴 12:30 | South Lebanon — Expanded Strikes
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the army had begun targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in the Tyre area of southern Lebanon, amid an ongoing wave of airstrikes along the southern coast.
🔴 12:22 | Tyre Area — Air Escalation
A new wave of Israeli airstrikes hit areas around Tyre following field warnings, targeting Maachouk, the vicinity of the Popular Aid building behind Hiram Hospital, and the town of Chehabiyeh/Shabriha in southern Lebanon.
▪️ Strike reported in the Maachouk area near Tyre
▪️ Airstrike hit near the Popular Aid building behind Hiram Hospital
▪️ Additional strike targeted Shabriha
▪️ Attacks followed warning alerts across the area
South Lebanon Air Escalation Today
🔴 12:04 | Western Galilee — Drone Alert
Israeli Home Front Command activated sirens across four towns in the Western Galilee following reports of a suspected drone infiltration, signaling continued tensions along the northern front.
🔴 11:40 | South Lebanon — Air Escalation
An Israeli drone strike targeted the southern Lebanese town of Shhour, while local reports later indicated a vehicle strike in Nabatieh amid continued tensions along the southern front.
🔴 11:39 | Tehran — Diplomatic Pressure
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the United States had tested Tehran twice and concluded that military solutions would not achieve its objectives, stressing that diplomacy remains the only viable path.
▪️ Tehran says military pressure has failed
▪️ Araghchi criticizes what he called conflicting US messages
▪️ Remarks highlight ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran
Regional Pressure Continues
🔴 10:50 | Southern Lebanon — Aerial Interception
The Israeli military announced the interception of a “suspicious aerial target” in the area where its forces are operating in southern Lebanon amid ongoing field tensions.
🔴 10:36 | Israel / Lebanon — Controversial Statements
Israeli public broadcaster reported National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir saying Israel “wants settlement expansion in Lebanon,” urging not to fear international pressure.
🔴 10:33 | Moscow / Tehran — Russian Position
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said resolving the crisis surrounding Iran requires understanding what he described as the “root cause” of the crisis, blaming what he called “unjustified US-Israeli aggression.”
🔴 10:30 | Moscow — Russian Warning
Lavrov said Western military interventions and regime-change policies are further complicating the situation across the Middle East and North Africa.
🔴 10:28 | Tehran — Criticism of International Order
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said “illegal wars” launched by the United States have weakened the foundations of the international order and pushed it toward collapse.
▪️ Araghchi called for major reforms within international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council
▪️ Tehran said the current balance of power in global institutions no longer reflects today’s geopolitical realities
🔴 10:27 | Moscow / Hormuz — Calls for Ceasefire
Lavrov called for an immediate halt to the war involving Iran and stressed the importance of guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
🔴 10:22 | Beijing / Hormuz — Diplomatic Pressure
China’s Foreign Ministry stressed that dialogue and negotiations remain the appropriate path to end the war involving Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
▪️ Beijing said it is ready to work with all parties to ensure global energy security and supply chain stability
▪️ China warned that the war involving Iran has triggered dangerous regional and global repercussions
▪️ Chinese officials stressed the importance of not missing the opportunity for negotiations that could end the war and prevent further escalation
🔴 10:20 | Southern Lebanon — Continued Airstrikes
Profile News correspondent: A second Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Froun in southern Lebanon amid continued aerial escalation along the southern front.
🔴 10:12 | Beijing / Washington — Economic Understandings
China’s Foreign Ministry said economic and trade relations between China and the United States are “beneficial for both sides,” announcing new agreements in trade and industrial sectors.
▪️ Beijing said it is ready to cooperate with all parties to guarantee global energy security and supply stability
▪️ China stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East
🔴 10:03 | Tel Aviv / Southern Lebanon — Continued Operations
Israel’s defense minister confirmed that military operations in Lebanon will continue against what he described as threats until the war objectives are achieved, alongside new strikes in the south.
🔴 09:04 | Energy Markets — Oil Surge
Reuters: Crude oil futures rose by more than $2 per barrel after Trump announced new agreements with China amid continued tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
🔴 07:22 | Southern Lebanon — Evacuation Warnings
The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for residents of several towns in southern Lebanon amid escalating border tensions.
🔴 02:22 | Washington — Iran War Vote
The US House of Representatives failed for the third time to pass a resolution aimed at limiting presidential war powers related to Iran.
🔴 01:22 | Trump — Iran
Trump: The military destruction of Iran will continue.
🔴 01:19 | Southern Lebanon — Israeli Strike
An Israeli airstrike targeted an apartment in the Housh area near Tyre in southern Lebanon.
🔴 01:02 | Trump / China — Understandings
▪️ We hope relations with China become stronger and better than ever before
▪️ America is currently the most attractive country in the world and we seek stronger ties with Beijing
▪️ President Xi personally congratulated me on the major achievements made in a short period
▪️ President Xi was right when he believed the United States had been in decline during the Biden administration
🔴 00:37 | Washington — Lebanon-Israel Talks
A US State Department official said the first day of talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington was “productive and positive.”
