Israeli air strikes on towns in southern Lebanon have killed at least two people and wounded five others, Lebanese state news agency NNA reported, as military exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah continued in spite of a fragile ceasefire agreement. Warplanes carried out repeated raids on the town of Kfar Remman, striking it twice within less than an hour, while Hezbollah stepped up drone operations targeting Israeli ground positions in the south.

 

On the diplomatic front, efforts to resolve the broader conflict across West Asia are facing serious headwinds. US President Donald Trump declared Iran’s latest response to an American peace proposal  as totally unacceptable, while Tehran pushed back, with foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei insisting the response was not excessive and accusing Washington of maintaining unreasonable demands. Iran has sought the lifting of a US naval blockade, recognition of its sovereignty claims over the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for conflict-related damages. 

 

“Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson struck a measured but firm tone in remarks today, saying Tehran would fight if forced to, but would equally pursue diplomacy where space existed for it. Spokesperson Baghaei added that any decision would be guided solely by Iran’s national interests, and the Iranian government had consistently demonstrated its commitment to protecting its people. The exchange comes amid continued low-intensity clashes around the Strait of Hormuz, with both the United States and Iran warning against further escalation in the strategically vital waterway. Mediators remain active but appear to be struggling to bridge core differences, as each side holds firm to its opening positions. Humanitarian conditions in conflict-affected areas are worsening, prompting fresh calls for de-escalation from relief agencies and regional governments.”