Topline
The Israeli military conducted strikes in Lebanon early on Monday, targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, in an escalation that comes as both the U.S. and Israel continued their strikes on Iran in a campaign that President Donald Trump has said could last several weeks.
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese area of Deir Seryan.
AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
In a statement announcing its strikes “Hezbollah targets across Lebanon”, the Israeli Defense Force said it was acting in response to “projectile fire toward northern Israel.”
The Israeli military claimed Hezbollah was “operating on behalf of the Iranian regime,” and it was “opening fire against the Israeli civilians, and bringing ruin to Lebanon.”
The strikes on Lebanon mark an end to a 2024 ceasefire brokered by the U.S. that had ended the previous conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In a statement on X, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the launching of rockets from his country’s territory, saying it undermines his government’s efforts to “keep Lebanon away from the dangerous military confrontations taking place in the region.”
His statement also condemned the Israeli “aggressions on Lebanese territory” but warned that using Lebanon as a “platform for proxy wars” will expose the country to “dangers once more.”
What Do We Know About The U.s. Embassy In Kuwait?
According to the Associated Press, fire and smoke were seen rising from inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait after Iran carried out an aerial attack on the country. The Iranian strike was part of a retaliatory wave aimed at Middle Eastern states who are allied with the U.S. including Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia. It is unclear if an Iranian projectile struck the U.S. Embassy compound. In a statement on X, the embassy warned of a “continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks over Kuwait” and urged people “ Do not come to the Embassy. Take cover in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside.”
What Has Trump Said About The Iran War?
Trump told the New York Times late on Sunday that he intends to continue the U.S. assault on Iranian territory for at least “four to five weeks.” He also claimed that it will not be difficult for the U.S. and Israeli military to maintain this level of intensity. In the interview, however, Trump did not offer any clear view on how regime change would be enacted in Iran and how power would be transferred to a new government. Earlier on Sunday, Trump acknowledged the death of three U.S. service members in the conflict and said there will “likely be more before it ends.” “That’s the way it is,” he added, noting that there will “likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”
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