Tel Aviv: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people and injured several others on Friday, according to reports, amid continuing tensions despite a ceasefire understanding linked to the recent Iran-US agreement.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it carried out a series of overnight strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. According to the Israeli military, the attacks were launched in response to what it described as repeated violations of the ceasefire by the Iran-backed militant group.
In a statement, the IDF said the operation targeted multiple sites associated with Hezbollah activities along the Lebanon-Israel border.
The latest escalation comes despite expectations that hostilities between Israel and Lebanon would subside following diplomatic efforts connected to the broader Iran-US agreement aimed at reducing regional tensions.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran have encountered a setback after planned talks in Switzerland were postponed.
Confirming the development, Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry stated that discussions involving the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan had been delayed. The ministry said Switzerland remains prepared to facilitate the negotiations and that preparatory work at the Burgenstock venue is continuing.
“The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed. Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing,” the ministry said.
The White House also confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance would not travel to Switzerland as originally expected because arrangements for the negotiations had not yet been finalised.
A White House spokesperson said a US delegation remains ready to depart as soon as discussions are formally scheduled.
“As of now, the Vice President is not departing tonight. We will provide updates when there is a concrete development regarding the next steps. We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
The postponement reflects the continuing complexities surrounding negotiations aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
In Tehran, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council reiterated its cautious approach toward the agreement, emphasising that Iran remains wary of potential violations.
According to a statement issued by the council, Iranian authorities are closely monitoring both the negotiation process and the implementation of commitments under the agreement.
The council warned that any breach by the United States would trigger a response based on pre-determined plans.
The developments highlight the fragile nature of current diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, where military confrontations and political negotiations continue to unfold simultaneously amid ongoing regional instability.
