🔴 LIVE | Middle East News Now: Escalation in Southern Lebanon and New U.S. Sanctions — Live Updates

Middle East News Now is dominating the regional agenda on Friday, June 19, 2026, as the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding enters a new phase of political testing amid sharp rhetoric from Iranian officials and new U.S. measures related to Lebanon and Hezbollah.

Profile News continues its live coverage of the latest political, security, and diplomatic developments in Lebanon, Iran, and across the region, while closely monitoring the impact of the U.S.-Iran agreement on regional de-escalation efforts, the Strait of Hormuz, and the future of upcoming negotiations.

📌 Previous live coverage: Arabic | English

🔴 LIVE | Middle East News Now: U.S. Sanctions, Iranian Statements, and Regional Developments as They Happen

🕒 Last updated: June 19, 2026 – 02:18 Beirut Time

🔴 22:28 | Trump:

• There will be no transit fees after the 60-day period ends in the Strait of Hormuz.

• There will be no transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz unless imposed by the United States and for its benefit.

• Any fees that may be imposed are for our benefit because we are the guardian of the Middle East and to recover past, present, and future costs.

🔴 21:10 | U.S. official to Al Jazeera:

• The Israeli military has informed CENTCOM that it has ordered its units to comply with the ceasefire in Lebanon.

🔴 20:05 | Pakistani government source to Al Jazeera:

• The Pakistani Prime Minister and the Army Chief will travel to Switzerland tomorrow.

• The Prime Minister and the Army Chief will head Pakistan’s delegation and will work to facilitate the talks.

🔴 19:55 | Israeli Army Radio:

• The operation in which a tank crew and a battalion commander were killed was aimed at taking control of tunnels in the Ali al-Taher area.

• Dozens of Hezbollah members are besieged inside underground tunnels in the Ali al-Taher area.

• The Ali al-Taher area contains a major underground Hezbollah complex and the main headquarters of the Badr unit.

🔴 19:52 | Yedioth Ahronoth, citing military sources

• The Israeli military has received orders for a ceasefire, and its forces will not withdraw from the Ali al-Taher area.

• The Israeli military is besieging dozens of Hezbollah fighters in the Ali al-Taher area.

🔴 03:15 | Axios citing a informed source

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is planning to travel to Switzerland, and the step is still subject to change.

• Araghchi has informed a number of his counterparts that the ceasefire in Lebanon is a critical issue for Tehran.

• Tehran insists on seeing the ceasefire actually take effect before heading to Switzerland.

🔴 02:30 | Axios citing a U.S. source

• Witkoff is heading to Switzerland to hold a round of talks with Iran.

🔴 00:37 | U.S. Vice President JD Vance

• Stated that U.S. interests do not necessarily always have to align with Israeli interests.

• Indicated that President Trump has some disagreements with Netanyahu regarding the precise way to end the conflict with Iran.

• Emphasized that American leaders must be very cautious and act based on their own interests, not the interests of any other country.

• Clarified that it is not true that every criticism of Netanyahu’s decisions and policies leads to antisemitism.

• Said that they must be very careful about labeling every criticism as hatred of Jews.

• Noted that some supporters of Israel do not distinguish between U.S. interests and Israeli interests, and conflate criticism of a particular government with hatred of Jews.

🔴 23:06 | Trump

• Said they were able to eliminate Iran’s naval and air capabilities within a week.

• Added that if they do not reach an agreement with Iran, they will take measures that may not please it, but he believes they will reach an agreement.

• Stated that ships are flowing through the Strait of Hormuz at an unprecedented rate.

• Noted that there are about 700 ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

• Mentioned that he asked the Chinese President not to engage in a war with Iran, and that he accepted that willingly.

🔴 20:25 | Southern Lebanon

• An Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Zabadin.

🔴 20:17 | Lebanese Presidency

• Stated that President Aoun received a call from the U.S. Secretary of State, during which they discussed the current situation in Lebanon and the region.

• Reported that Rubio affirmed his country’s support for Lebanon, and its commitment to working toward achieving stability and extending state authority over its territory.

• Mentioned that Aoun stressed to Rubio the need to halt Israeli military operations and achieve a comprehensive ceasefire.

• Explained that Aoun emphasized to Rubio that a ceasefire is a fundamental pillar for the advancement of Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations.

🔴 19:49 | Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam

• Stated that they want a state that holds the decision-making authority in matters of war and peace, and that no negotiation on this matter should take place outside its constitutional authority.

• Affirmed that they will not bargain over any inch of Lebanese territory, and that weapons should be confined solely to the legitimate state forces.

🔴 19:36 | Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, Khatibzadeh

• Stated that they are preparing for important talks, and that the memorandum of understanding stipulates the immediate implementation of five clauses.

• Called on Washington to implement the memorandum and to prevent Netanyahu from undermining any effort toward understanding and stability.

• Expressed their readiness to move forward step by step if the other side shows the same seriousness.

• Explained that Qatar and Pakistan played an important role in reaching the memorandum of understanding, and that their role was pivotal.

• Denied that they seek dominance over the region, and said that they share common interests with all its countries.

• Said that they will provide navigation services in the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Sultanate of Oman, in accordance with international law.

• Indicated that they have legal rights in the Strait of Hormuz, but they will not impose fees during the 60-day period.

• Said that they are seeking to achieve peace on all fronts, including Gaza, and that they included Lebanon in the memorandum due to its direct connection to the conflict.

• Indicated that they will adopt a new mechanism for managing the strait after 60 days, and will propose a special initiative to the countries of the region.

• Mentioned that any future agreement must include the release of all frozen Iranian funds.

• Stated that there can be no peace or stability in Lebanon and the region without ending the Israeli presence and ensuring Israel’s compliance with international law.

🔴 19:31 | Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran

• Stated that they are preparing for important talks, and that the memorandum of understanding stipulates the immediate implementation of five clauses.

• Called on Washington to implement the memorandum and to prevent Netanyahu from undermining any effort toward understanding and stability.

🔴 19:05 | The Washington Post, citing officials

• U.S. intelligence has warned the administration that Netanyahu may undermine efforts to reach a lasting agreement with Iran.

🔴 18:59 | Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem

• Stated that Lebanon is going through its most dangerous phase, and that there is a U.S.-Israeli plan that is the most dangerous.

• Affirmed his party’s commitment to protecting the country, noting that their armament is directed toward the Israeli side.

• Indicated that the goal of the plan by the other parties is to end his party’s project.

• Explained that the plan aims to make the political authority in Lebanon a cover to confront and bring down his party.

• Considered that the project to end his party has failed, and that the continued Israeli presence in Lebanese territory will not last, anticipating Israel’s withdrawal from all Lebanese territory.

• Emphasized that there is no return to the period before March 2nd, and that the withdrawal of the Israeli side from Lebanese territory will be achieved.

🔴 18:37 | Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, during which he warned of the repercussions of any violation of the commitments under the memorandum of understanding.

• Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, during the call, affirmed his support for the continuation of negotiations in order to reach positive and sustainable outcomes.

🔴 17:10 | Beirut — Lebanese Health Ministry: 47 people killed and 97 injured in Israeli strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon

🔴 17:09 | Beirut — Hezbollah official to Al Jazeera: Israel continues to violate the ceasefire as it did in previous agreements

🔴 17:08 | Beirut — Hezbollah official to Al Jazeera: Any Israeli action outside the framework of the comprehensive ceasefire will be confronted

🔴 17:08 | Middle East — U.S. Central Command: We urge vessels to follow the guidance of the Joint Maritime Information Center

🔴 17:07 | Strait of Hormuz — U.S. Central Command: More than 20 vessels safely transited the designated corridor yesterday

🔴 17:07 | Strait of Hormuz — U.S. Central Command: All vessels have the right to safe and unobstructed passage

🔴 17:06 | Berlin — German Chancellor: The ceasefire between Iran and the United States must hold in Lebanon

🔴 17:05 | Tehran — Iranian Foreign Ministry: Reports claiming the Strait of Hormuz has been closed are false

🔴 17:05 | Tehran — Iranian Foreign Ministry: Final agreement talks are conditional on implementing key provisions of the memorandum

🔴 17:04 | Tehran — Iranian Foreign Ministry: Consultations through mediators are ongoing to launch the next phase of negotiations

🔴 17:04 | Tehran — Iranian Foreign Ministry: Friday’s meeting in Switzerland has been postponed

🔴 17:03 | Tehran — Iranian Foreign Ministry: We are planning to hold negotiations in the coming days

🔴 16:57 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Profile News Correspondent: Israeli artillery shelling targets the city of Nabatieh

🔴 16:57 | Israel-Lebanon Border — Israeli Home Front Command: Sirens activated in Zar’it following a suspected hostile drone infiltration

🔴 16:42 | Jezzine District, Southern Lebanon — Profile News Correspondent: Israeli airstrike targets the Rihan area

🔴 16:41 | Tel Aviv — Yedioth Ahronoth quoting an Israeli official: We agreed to the ceasefire, and if Hezbollah does not attack, we will not attack

🔴 16:41 | Washington — Axios quoting a White House official: Netanyahu agreed to renew the ceasefire in Lebanon

🔴 16:38 | Nabatieh District, Southern Lebanon — Continued Airstrikes Across the District

Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted several areas across the Nabatieh district in southern Lebanon.

• The strikes come despite the ceasefire having entered into force.
• No immediate information was available regarding casualties or damage.

🔴 16:36 | Nabatieh Governorate, Southern Lebanon — Airstrikes Target Multiple Areas

Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted several locations across Nabatieh Governorate.

• The region has witnessed continuous escalation since early Friday.

🔴 16:30 | Iqlim al-Tuffah, Southern Lebanon — Shelling Targets Jabal al-Rafee

Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported that Israeli shelling targeted Jabal al-Rafee in the Iqlim al-Tuffah area of southern Lebanon.

🔴 16:26 | Kfartebnit, Nabatieh — Fourth Strike Hits Outskirts of the Town

Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported that a fourth Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of Kfartebnit in the Nabatieh district.

🔴 16:23 | Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Iqlim al-Tuffah — Airstrike and Artillery Shelling

Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported an Israeli airstrike on Nabatieh al-Fawqa alongside artillery shelling targeting Jabal al-Rafee in the Iqlim al-Tuffah area.

🔴 16:22 | Nabatieh District, Southern Lebanon — Airstrikes Hit Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfartebnit

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that two Israeli airstrikes targeted the towns of Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfartebnit in the Nabatieh district.

• No immediate information was available regarding casualties or damage.
• The strikes came despite the ceasefire having entered into force.
• The Nabatieh area and its surroundings have witnessed sustained escalation since early Friday.

🔴 16:18 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Airstrike Targets Al-Maqased Neighborhood

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted the Al-Maqased neighborhood in the city of Nabatieh.

• No immediate information was available regarding casualties or damage.
• The strike came minutes after the ceasefire officially entered into force.
• Nabatieh and surrounding areas have witnessed sustained escalation since early Friday.

🔴 16:13 | Tel Aviv — Israeli Military: More Than 100 Hezbollah Targets Hit

An Israeli military spokesperson said Israeli forces struck more than 100 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight and throughout the day.

• The spokesperson claimed that dozens of militants were killed in the strikes.
• Profile News could not independently verify the claim.
• The remarks came after the ceasefire entered into force.

🔴 16:10 | Tel Aviv — Channel 12: Ceasefire Has Begun, Forces to Remain in Security Zone

Israel’s Channel 12 quoted an Israeli official as saying that the ceasefire has entered into effect.

• The official said Israeli forces would remain in what was described as a “security zone.”
• He added that Israel would respond to any attack.

🔴 16:09 | Tel Aviv — Channel 13: Our Forces Will Remain in Southern Lebanon

Channel 13 quoted an Israeli official as saying that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon.

• The official added that Israel retains freedom of action against perceived threats.

🔴 16:08 | Tel Aviv — Channel 13: If Hezbollah Stops Attacking, This Is Not Wartime for Us

An Israeli official told Channel 13 that Israel now considers itself under a ceasefire framework.

• The official said, “If Hezbollah does not attack us, this is not wartime from our perspective.”

🔴 16:00 | Beirut — Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah Takes Effect

🔴 16:00 | Beirut – Washington — Reuters: Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Ceasefire

Reuters, citing a senior U.S. official, reported that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire set to take effect at 4:00 p.m. Beirut time on Friday.

• The official said the agreement was drafted by U.S. and Qatari negotiators with support and assistance from Iran.
• The announcement follows hours of intense escalation and cross-border exchanges in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
• No official details have yet been released regarding implementation mechanisms.
• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun previously said that a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire would pave the way for discussions on an Israeli withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army, and the return of detainees and displaced residents.

🔴 15:42 | Washington — Trump: We did not engage with Iran out of desperation; Iran was the desperate party

🔴 15:41 | Washington — Trump: We will continue through the 60-day period and Iran will not receive any money

🔴 15:39 | Washington — Trump: It is hard to imagine claims that Iran is in a better position than it was four months ago

🔴 15:38 | Washington — Trump: The war has weakened Iran and it no longer has an air force, navy, air defenses or radar systems

🔴 15:34 | Nmairiyeh, Nabatieh — Al Jazeera correspondent: Israeli drone strike targets the town of Nmairiyeh

🔴 15:29 | Middle East — U.S. Central Command: F-16 fighter jets continue patrols across the region and remain ready to intervene

🔴 15:27 | Tehran — Araghchi: The group of death in Tel Aviv has only one goal — permanent war

🔴 15:27 | Tehran — Iranian Foreign Ministry: We will take all necessary measures to protect our interests and allies

🔴 15:27 | Tehran — Iranian Foreign Ministry: The United States bears direct responsibility for Israeli attacks on Lebanon

🔴 15:25 | Tehran — Iranian Foreign Ministry: We warn of the serious consequences of Israel’s continued fueling of conflicts

🔴 15:23 | Tehran — Iranian Foreign Ministry: We condemn Israeli operations in Lebanon

🔴 15:08 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Al Jazeera correspondent: Israeli airstrike targets the outskirts of Nabatieh

🔴 15:03 | Strait of Hormuz — Iranian Authority: No Transit Fees for 60 Days

Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Administration said no fees will be imposed on vessels seeking to transit the waterway during the next 60 days.

• The authority said ships submitting transit requests and complying with the required procedures will be allowed to pass.
• The move comes as part of the implementation of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding.

🔴 14:56 | Washington — CNN: It Is Now Up to Hezbollah to Halt Its Attacks

🔴 14:56 | Washington — CNN citing sources: Israel agreed to overlook ceasefire violations and Iran was informed

🔴 14:55 | Washington — CNN citing sources: The United States informed Iran that Israel would not escalate its attacks in Lebanon

🔴 14:32 | Beirut — Lebanese President: Current developments will not prevent efforts to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible

🔴 14:29 | Beirut — Lebanese President: A comprehensive ceasefire is the gateway to discussing Israel’s withdrawal, army deployment and the return of detainees

🔴 14:28 | Beirut — Lebanese President: I instructed the negotiating delegation not to compromise on the principle that a comprehensive ceasefire must precede discussions on other issues

🔴 14:26 | Beirut — Lebanese President: Current developments will not prevent efforts to secure a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible

🔴 14:26 | Beirut — Lebanese President: The Israeli escalation is effectively targeting all ongoing efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and end the war

🔴 14:25 | Beirut — Lebanese President: The expansion of Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa constitutes a dangerous and condemnable escalation

🔴 14:21 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Al Jazeera correspondent: Israeli airstrikes target the city of Nabatieh and its surroundings

🔴 14:20 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Al Jazeera correspondent: Israeli airstrikes target the Nabatieh area and its surroundings

🔴 14:10 | Southern Lebanon — Al Jazeera reports displacement from southern areas following the latest Israeli airstrikes

🔴 14:02 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Al Jazeera documents the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes around the Nabatieh area

🔴 13:57 | Baalbek, Bekaa Valley — Lebanon’s Health Ministry: Three people were killed and six others were wounded in an Israeli strike on Ain Bourday

🔴 13:57 | Beirut — Hezbollah: Israel has not adhered to any ceasefire agreement since November 27, 2024, including the outcomes of the Washington-Tehran understanding

🔴 13:56 | Beirut — Hezbollah: The resistance remains ready to confront any attack and has inflicted casualties on Israeli officers and soldiers

🔴 13:54 | Beirut — Hezbollah: Israel is targeting civilian villages after our forces confronted an attempted advance toward Ali al-Taher hill

🔴 13:53 | Beirut — Hezbollah: Israel has intensified its ceasefire violations and targeted civilian infrastructure

🔴 13:53 | Beirut — Hezbollah: Israel has never adhered to any ceasefire agreement

🔴 13:45 | Tel Aviv — Netanyahu: I instructed the military to strike Hezbollah forcefully following its ceasefire violations

🔴 13:44 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Al Jazeera correspondent: Israeli airstrikes target Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Kfar Jouz, Choukine and the outskirts of Kfartebnit

🔴 13:38 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Al Jazeera documents Israeli airstrikes around the Nabatieh area

🔴 13:37 | Tel Aviv — Netanyahu: I held security consultations with the defense minister and army chief following the attack on our forces in southern Lebanon

🔴 13:35 | Tel Aviv — Netanyahu: We will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers and Hezbollah will pay a very heavy price

🔴 13:34 | Kfar Jouz, Nabatieh — Al Jazeera correspondent: Israeli airstrike targets the town of Kfar Jouz near Nabatieh

🔴 13:34 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Al Jazeera correspondent: Israeli shelling targets the Nabatieh area and its surroundings

🔴 13:28 | Strait of Hormuz — Kpler: Maritime traffic is improving, with 25 vessels passing through the strait yesterday

🔴 13:28 | Doueir, Nabatieh — Airstrike

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Doueir in the Nabatieh district.

• No immediate information was available regarding casualties or damage.
• The strike comes amid continued military escalation in southern Lebanon.
• Multiple towns across the Nabatieh district have been targeted since early Friday.

🔴 13:23 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Airstrike

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted the Nabatieh area.

• No immediate information was available regarding casualties or damage.
• The strike comes amid continued military escalation and expanding attacks across southern Lebanon.
• Multiple areas in the Nabatieh district have come under repeated strikes since early Friday.

🔴 13:21 | Tel Aviv — Katz: Israeli Forces Will Remain in Security Zone

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would remain in what he described as a “security zone” inside Lebanon, stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the Beaufort Castle heights.

• He said any violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah would be met with a “very strong response.”
• Katz added that Israel “will not allow harm to come to its soldiers or citizens.”

🔴 13:19 | Tel Aviv — Katz: More Than 80 Targets Hit

Katz said the Israeli military had struck more than 80 targets across Lebanon.

• He said the strikes targeted areas in the Bekaa Valley and the Nabatieh district.
• Katz claimed that Israeli forces had killed dozens of Hezbollah fighters.
• Profile News could not independently verify the claim.

🔴 13:14 | Washington — Trump: I Can Prevent an Attack on Lebanon

U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Axios that he believes he would be able to prevent Israel from attacking Lebanon.

• Trump said Israeli officials “respect me and do what I say.”
• His comments come amid escalating tensions and fighting in southern Lebanon.

🔴 13:13 | Washington — Trump: My Intervention Prevented Israel’s Defeat

Speaking to Axios, Trump said that without his intervention, “Israel would have been crushed.”

• He did not specify the nature of the intervention he was referring to.
• There was no immediate response from Israeli officials.

🔴 13:08 | Washington — Trump: My Relationship with Netanyahu Is Good

Trump told Axios that he maintains a good relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

• He added that “we have to keep him somewhat reasonable.”
• The remarks come amid intensified military operations in southern Lebanon.

🔴 12:22 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Series of Airstrikes

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported a new series of Israeli airstrikes targeting multiple locations across the Nabatieh district.

• One strike targeted the town of Choukine.
• Another strike hit the town of Toul.
• A separate strike targeted the area near Ksar Zaatar in Nabatieh.
• No immediate information was available regarding casualties or damage.

The strikes come amid continued military escalation and an expanding wave of attacks across southern Lebanon.

🔴 11:57 | Bekaa Valley, Lebanon — Airstrike Near Examination Center

Profile News correspondent in the Bekaa Valley reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted a building adjacent to Al-Bashaer Secondary School, where Lebanon’s official Brevet examinations are being held today.

• There were no immediate reports of casualties among students or school staff.
• Authorities are assessing the damage and its potential impact on the examination process.
• The strike comes as the escalation expands beyond southern Lebanon into the Bekaa Valley.

🔴 11:43 | Southern Lebanon and Bekaa Valley — Escalation Summary

Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley continue to witness intense escalation as Israeli airstrikes expand across multiple areas.

• Heavy airstrikes targeted the town of Jbaa in the Iqlim al-Tuffah region, with explosions heard as far as Mount Lebanon.
• An Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Haboush in the Nabatieh district.
• Al Jazeera reported two drone strikes targeting the town of Harouf.
• Its correspondent also reported four Israeli airstrikes across the Nabatieh district.
• Additional strikes targeted the towns of Arabsalim and Rihan.
• An Israeli airstrike hit the town of Toul in the Nabatieh district.
• Two strikes targeted Ain Bourday and the outskirts of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley.
• The Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in the Bekaa region in response to what it described as repeated ceasefire violations.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said four soldiers, including the commander of the 52nd Battalion of the elite Givati Brigade, were killed in fighting in southern Lebanon.

• Israeli media reported that 17 additional soldiers were wounded during clashes near Kfartebnit.
• Reports also indicated that five elite troops were injured in a drone strike near Kfartebnit.
• The Israeli military confirmed that one reserve officer and four non-commissioned officers were wounded in a drone attack.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commented on developments in southern Lebanon by saying: “Open the gates of hell.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog described Friday morning as “extremely difficult and painful” following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.

🔴 10:58 | Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon — Series of Airstrikes

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that five airstrikes targeted multiple locations across the Nabatieh district.

• The town of Arabsalim was among the reported targets.
• The locations of the remaining strikes were not immediately clear.
• No immediate information was available regarding casualties or damage.
• The strikes come amid continued military escalation in southern Lebanon.

🔴 10:57 | Southern Lebanon and Bekaa Valley — Widespread Escalation

Profile News correspondents reported a broad escalation across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, with Israeli airstrikes, drone strikes and artillery shelling targeting multiple areas since the early hours of Friday.

• Warplanes reportedly targeted Harouf, Sharqieh, Zebdine, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Kfartebnit, Nabatieh, Qsaybeh, Jibchit, Kfar Dajjal, Jbour, Msayleh, Kfar Jouz, Kfar Sir, Adchit, Doueir, Qaqaaiyet al-Jisr, Haboush and Deir al-Zahrani.
• Drone strikes were reported in Abbassiyeh, Doueir, Jibchit, Toul, Nabatieh and Arabsalim.
• Additional airstrikes targeted the Rihan area and the Kayyal area in Baalbek.
• Artillery shelling was reported in Kfar Sir, Nabatieh, Srifa, Jibchit and Beit Yahoun.
• Profile News could not independently verify all reported strikes and casualty figures.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said 18 people were killed and 33 others were wounded in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.

Local reports also indicated casualties in Harouf and Jibchit, although no official figures were immediately available.

🔴 10:12 | Kfar Sir, Nabatieh — Airstrike

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Kfar Sir in the Nabatieh district.

• There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
• The strike comes amid continued military escalation in southern Lebanon.

🔴 10:11 | Breqaa, Nabatieh — Airstrike

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Breqaa in the Nabatieh district.

• No immediate information was available regarding casualties or material damage.
• Authorities are continuing to assess the impact of the strike.

🔴 10:10 | Wadi Kafroueh, Nabatieh — Drone Strike

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that a drone strike targeted the Wadi Kafroueh area in the Nabatieh district.

• The nature of the target was not immediately clear.
• No official information on casualties or damage has been released.

🔴 09:53 | Southern Lebanon — Displacement Movement

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported significant displacement movements across several southern areas, particularly in and around Nabatieh, amid ongoing airstrikes and clashes.

• No official figures on the number of displaced residents were immediately available.
• The movement comes as military escalation intensifies across southern Lebanon.

🔴 09:52 | Beirut — Drone Activity

Profile News correspondent reported drone activity over Beirut and the city’s southern suburbs.

• No immediate information was available regarding the nature or mission of the aircraft.
• Authorities have not issued an official statement.

🔴 09:51 | Arabsalim, Nabatieh — Drone Strike

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported a drone strike targeting the town of Arabsalim in the Nabatieh district.

• No immediate reports of casualties or damage were available.
• The incident remains under close monitoring.

🔴 09:49 | Southern Lebanon — Israeli Military Reports Casualties

Israeli media reported that soldiers were killed after a tank was hit in the Ali al-Taher hills in southern Lebanon.

• Earlier, the Israeli military said four soldiers, including the commander of the 52nd Battalion of the elite Givati Brigade, were killed in fighting in southern Lebanon.
• Israeli military sources said an investigation is underway to determine whether the tank was struck by a drone or an anti-tank guided missile.
• Profile News could not independently verify the details.

🔴 09:46 | Nabatieh, Lebanon — Airstrike Reported

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported an airstrike targeting the city of Nabatieh.

• The strike comes amid continued Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon.
• No official casualty figures have been released.

🔴 09:31 | Washington — U.S.-Iran Talks Delayed

Reuters, citing the Swiss Foreign Ministry, reported that U.S.-Iran talks scheduled to take place in Bürgenstock on Friday will not be held as planned.

• The White House said Vice President JD Vance’s trip to Switzerland was postponed due to logistical challenges.
• A White House spokesperson said the U.S. delegation remains ready to begin technical talks at the earliest opportunity.

🔴 09:18 | Beirut — Health Ministry Update

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said 18 people were killed and 33 others wounded in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.

🔴 07:31 | Reuters citing the Swiss Foreign Ministry

The U.S.-Iran talks will not take place today in Bürgenstock as previously planned.

🔴 06:15 | The Wall Street Journal citing sources

The Pentagon has informed lawmakers that it requires $80 billion to cover the costs of the war with Iran and other related expenses.

The Pentagon warned that its operations could face funding shortfalls if Congress rejects a new war budget.

Additional funding requests could be sent to Congress in the coming days.

🔴 05:08 | Hezbollah

We targeted with rockets and mortar shells a second Israeli force attempting to advance in the Ali al-Taher area.

🔴 05:00 | South Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike targeted a motorcycle on the Abbassiyeh–Hammadiyeh junction road.

— Profile News

🔴 04:58 | Nabatieh and Sidon, Lebanon — Airstrikes

A Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted the Mahmoudiyeh and Jarmaq areas in the Nabatieh district.

Preliminary information also indicated that an airstrike targeted the Tebna area in the Sidon district.

The exact location of the reported strike in Tebna could not be independently verified at this time.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or the extent of the damage.

The strikes come amid ongoing military escalation in southern Lebanon.

🔴 04:58 | Nabatieh and Sidon Districts, Lebanon — Reported Airstrikes

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported Israeli airstrikes targeting the Mahmoudiyeh and Jarmaq areas in the Nabatieh district.

• Additional reports indicated an airstrike targeting the Tebna area in the Sidon district.
• The exact location of the reported strike in Tebna has not yet been independently verified.
• No immediate information was available regarding casualties or damage.
• The reported strikes come amid continued military escalation across southern Lebanon.

🔴 04:45 | Washington — White House: Vance Trip to Switzerland Delayed

The White House said Vice President JD Vance’s trip to Switzerland for talks with Iranian negotiators has been postponed due to logistical issues.

• No new date for the visit was immediately announced.
• The White House did not provide further details regarding the logistical challenges.
• The delay comes as preparations continue for the next phase of negotiations linked to the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding.

🔴 03:48 | Southern Lebanon — Rocket Barrage

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported the launch of a rocket barrage from southern Lebanon.

• The destination of the rockets and the extent of any potential damage were not immediately clear.
• The development comes amid continued military escalation in the Nabatieh area and around the Ali al-Taher hilltop.
• No official statements have been issued regarding the incident.

🔴 03:26 | Nabatieh, Lebanon — Air Escalation

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted the city of Nabatieh and the town of Kfar Sir in the Nabatieh district.

• The strikes followed a series of attacks targeting several locations across the area in recent hours.
• There were no immediate official reports of casualties or damage.
• Authorities are continuing to assess the situation on the ground.

🔴 03:25 | Ali al-Taher, Nabatieh — Ground Clashes

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported intense rocket fire toward Israeli forces attempting to advance toward the Ali al-Taher hilltop.

• The development comes amid escalating clashes around Kfartebnit and Ali al-Taher.
• The Israeli military has not issued an immediate comment on the reported developments.
• Profile News could not independently verify details of the clashes.

🔴 03:15 | Southern Lebanon — Hezbollah Statement

Hezbollah said in a statement that the Kfartebnit–Ali al-Taher area would remain inaccessible to any Israeli advance, reaffirming its intention to continue confronting Israeli forces in the area.

🔴 03:11 | Kfar Jouz, Nabatieh — Israeli Airstrike

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Kfar Jouz in the Nabatieh district.

• The strike was part of a broader wave of attacks targeting multiple locations in southern Lebanon.
• No immediate information was available regarding casualties.

🔴 02:53 | Southern Lebanon — Coordinated Airstrikes

Profile News correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting the towns of Harouf and Sharqieh.

• The Nabatieh area and its surroundings are witnessing continued military escalation.
• No official casualty figures or damage assessments have been released.

🔴 02:18 | Washington — Trump to Axios: The latest memorandum of understanding with Tehran amounts, in effect, to an unconditional Iranian surrender

🔴 02:17 | Washington — Trump to Axios: I negotiated the agreement with Iran to prevent the war from turning into a global economic recession

🔴 01:11 | Washington — U.S. State Department: Hezbollah must disarm to achieve lasting peace in the region and ensure Lebanon’s stability and prosperity

🔴 01:11 | Washington — U.S. State Department: Hezbollah is the biggest obstacle to Lebanon’s recovery and is holding the state hostage to a permanent conflict

🔴 01:10 | Washington — U.S. State Department: The activities of Hezbollah’s allies entrench a parallel power structure that keeps Lebanon weak and divided

🔴 01:07 | Washington — U.S. State Department: We have imposed sanctions on Lebanese officials allied with Hezbollah for systematically undermining state authority

🔴 00:52 | Tehran — Ghalibaf: I hope the Supreme Leader’s message will help unite our society in confronting the enemy and achieving the conditions of the memorandum of understanding

🔴 00:49 | Tehran — Ghalibaf: If the opposing side seeks to impose excessive demands, we are prepared to respond firmly and remain on alert

🔴 00:43 | Tehran — Ghalibaf: We will not allow the other side to undermine the rights of our people and the resistance front through violations of its commitments or the use of force

🔴 00:40 | Tehran — Iranian Parliament Speaker: We must secure the rights of the Iranian people and the resistance from an adversary that has broken its commitments

🔴 00:39 | Tehran — Iranian Parliament Speaker: The Supreme Leader’s message made clear that concluding the memorandum of understanding marks the beginning of a difficult path

Profile News provides around-the-clock coverage of the latest political, military, and security developments across the Middle East.