Israel has launched a fresh overnight ground advance into southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. According to reports, Hezbollah fighters engaged Israeli troops in close-quarters combat, claiming to have destroyed four Israeli military vehicles and downed helicopters involved in evacuation operations.
The ground assault comes after more than 20 Israeli airstrikes reportedly struck southern Lebanon, leveling residential buildings and killing at least 18 people, including entire families. Al Jazeera described the attacks as the most intense military action since the ceasefire took effect.
In response to what it describes as a violation of the first clause of the Iran–U.S. memorandum of understanding (MOU), Iran has announced the suspension of negotiations with Washington and cancelled a planned diplomatic trip to Switzerland. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has also reportedly cancelled his scheduled visit.
Iranian officials have further stated that Tehran will no longer implement any commitments under the MOU on a unilateral basis. According to Fars News Agency, Iran insists that the United States must fulfill its own obligations first and that military operations in Lebanon must permanently cease before progress can resume.
