A reported 3,000 casualties have been tallied in Lebanon due to Israeli assaults amid the ongoing Iran conflict, with a significant US-Israeli offensive, originally set for today, now postponed. Israeli forces have continued shelling Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon’s Marjayoun area, while actions against Iran have been delayed for several days.
On Monday, at least seven individuals lost their lives in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump has allegedly delayed the attack in hopes of reaching a nuclear agreement with Tehran and opening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite claiming active negotiations, Trump’s urgency for a resolution is apparent, especially following Iran’s recent attacks on the UAE.
While American troops have been placed on standby, Trump has authorized a potential full-scale strike on Iran at short notice if no satisfactory agreement is reached. Iran has stood firm, asserting that engaging in talks does not equate to surrender, emphasizing its commitment to preserving its rights and dignity.
Negotiations have faced challenges, with Iran insisting on the inclusion of Lebanon and Hezbollah in any peace deal. There are indications that Tehran might consider transferring its enriched Uranium to Russia instead of the US, as demanded by Washington. Iran is pushing for a cessation of attacks in Lebanon and its homeland in exchange for easing the sanctions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Discussions involving the US, Israel, and Iran are ongoing through Pakistan as an intermediary, with talks potentially leading to a significant breakthrough despite the military preparations observed during the fragile ceasefire period. Regional players like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have urged the US to hold off on military actions, expressing optimism that Iran could agree to terms prohibiting nuclear weapon development.
The death toll from the aggression in Lebanon between March 2 and May 18 has now reached 3,020 fatalities and 9,273 injuries, including casualties among minors and healthcare workers. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported strikes against groups linked to the US and Israel near the Iraq border.
The conflict with Iran commenced with President Trump’s promise of assistance to nationwide demonstrators, despite a substantial remaining arsenal of ballistic weapons and drones in Tehran posing a continued threat to Israel and neighboring Gulf States, particularly the UAE.