TEHRAN
\nThe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated limited and targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon, focusing on Hezbollah strongholds and infrastructure. This is part of an enhanced forward defense posture amid the broader regional conflict involving Iran. Reports indicate IDF troops from divisions like the 91st are conducting incursions to dismantle militant positions, push Hezbollah forces northward, and secure areas near the border to protect northern Israel.
\nWhile described as \u201climited\u201d in recent announcements, preparations suggest potential for significant expansion, including seizing territory south of the Litani River\u2014potentially resembling operations in Gaza\u2014with reinforcements and reserves mobilized in recent days. This escalation follows ongoing airstrikes and comes against the backdrop of the wider US-Israel-Iran war, where Hezbollah has been actively involved. In a related development, US fighter jets have struck military facilities on a mountain near Iran\u2019s Chabahar Free Trade Zone in southeastern Iran (Sistan and Baluchestan Province, close to the Pakistan border). Explosions were reported in the area, marking another phase of direct US involvement in strikes on Iranian targets.
\nThis occurs as the conflict\u2014now in its third week\u2014continues with bombardments across Iranian cities and counterattacks affecting Israel and Gulf shipping. Iran\u2019s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran is \u201cnot interested\u201d in talks with the US, rejecting negotiations or a ceasefire.
\nHe emphasized no reason to engage, citing past experiences where talks preceded attacks, and affirmed Iran\u2019s readiness to defend itself \u201cas long as it takes.\u201d This pushes back against US President Donald Trump\u2019s claims that Iran seeks a deal to end the war, though Araghchi noted openness to discussions with other countries on allowing select oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
\nMeanwhile, President Trump is pressing NATO allies and China to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has faced disruptions from Iranian actions. He warned NATO of a \u201cvery bad\u201d future if allies fail to help secure the waterway (vital for global oil flows) and suggested China\u2014reliant on the strait for much of its oil imports\u2014should contribute warships or forces. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TEHRAN The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated limited and targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon, focusing on Hezbollah strongholds and infrastructure. This is part of an enhanced forward defense posture amid the broader regional conflict involving Iran. Reports indicate IDF troops from divisions like the 91st are conducting incursions to dismantle militant positions, push […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":537053,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-537023","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n