Israel Strikes Beirut
Beirut: Israel carried out strikes on Lebanon’s capital Beirut on Sunday as hostilities continued between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, even as diplomatic discussions between Iran and the United States reportedly moved closer to a potential agreement.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah persisted on Sunday, with Israel launching strikes on Beirut amid ongoing cross-border exchanges. The escalation comes as regional tensions remain high across Lebanon and surrounding areas.
According to a senior Iranian official, a draft memorandum under discussion between Washington and Tehran reportedly includes Iran’s commitment not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons.
The proposed framework also suggests Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial shipping, while the United States would lift its naval blockade. The official added that Washington has agreed to allow Iran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium within the country.
Both sides are expected to continue negotiations over the next 60 days to determine the mechanism for implementing these arrangements.
A senior US official said Washington is “80–85% confident” of reaching an agreement within days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also suggested the memorandum could be signed digitally in the coming days and announced publicly.
However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei called reports of a finalized deal “merely speculation,” saying Tehran has not taken a final decision and accusing Washington of shifting its position during negotiations.
Iran has maintained that it will not cede control over the Strait of Hormuz or return to pre-conflict conditions. Araghchi said discussions on service fees for passage remain ongoing, adding that “we will not forget Lebanon’s Hezbollah in any agreement.”
Meanwhile, a White House official told AFP that Iran has agreed to dismantle its nuclear programme and destroy nuclear material under a “performance-based deal.” US Vice President JD Vance said Iran would receive “no funds for simply signing a deal.”
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. He also directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for independent action against Iran’s nuclear programme, regardless of any US-led agreement.
