Israeli forces carried out air and drone strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing at least five people, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA). The attacks took place in the Nabatieh area just hours after a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group was supposed to take effect. Residential buildings and homes were reported destroyed in the overnight bombardment.

A U.S. official said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a ceasefire on Friday, with the truce scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. that day. Despite this agreement, Israeli aircraft continued operations into Saturday morning, raising concerns about the durability of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed escalation.

The report did not include any official responses from either side, leaving the future of the ceasefire uncertain as tensions remain high along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s deadly attack in southern Lebanon. The country’s central military command stated that the move was a response to what it described as a breach of an agreement with the United States. According to a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, all ship movements through the strait will remain suspended until further notice.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the closure was the first step in response to what it called enemy violations, warning that further measures could follow if aggression continues. Iran accused Israel’s recent actions of severely undermining regional stability and violating previous understandings. The report noted that neither the United States nor Israel had issued an immediate reaction.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as a vital route for global oil and gas shipments. Analysts suggest the closure could heighten concerns over international energy supply and global trade stability.

Switzerland has confirmed that confidential discussions are ongoing at the Bürgenstock resort to advance the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States. The Swiss Foreign Ministry announced this on Saturday, noting that a reliable and discreet environment is being maintained for the talks. The ministry did not disclose who is participating or what specific issues are being discussed, citing the need for confidentiality.

According to the statement, Switzerland has long served as a neutral and trusted mediator for sensitive diplomatic negotiations. The country’s role in facilitating such discussions underscores its reputation as a stable venue for international dialogue between states with complex relations.

No further details were provided about the content or timeline of the Iran-US memorandum or the expected outcomes of the current discussions.

Russia’s Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has expressed skepticism about the stability of the recent agreement between the United States and Iran. In a post on the Russian social media platform Max, he warned that the deal could easily collapse due to new provocations or attacks, particularly in Lebanon. Medvedev said it would be premature to expect lasting peace under the current circumstances.

The statement comes as Russia and Iran have deepened their military and economic cooperation since the start of the Ukraine war. However, Moscow’s limited response to the recent US-Israel-Iran conflict—restricted mainly to diplomatic and verbal support—has highlighted the boundaries of their partnership.

Medvedev’s remarks suggest that Moscow views the US-Iran understanding as fragile and vulnerable to regional instability, underscoring Russia’s cautious stance in Middle Eastern affairs.

At least 22 people were killed and 12 others injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s Nabatieh district on Saturday, according to the country’s Civil Defense Agency. The agency reported that strikes continued from early morning, with rescue teams retrieving bodies and transporting the injured to hospitals. Ongoing bombardments have made rescue operations difficult.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry stated that since Israeli attacks began on March 2, more than 3,980 people have been killed and over 12,001 injured nationwide. The latest assault came just one day after a ceasefire announcement between Israel and Hezbollah, raising fears of renewed regional tension.

The continued violence following the ceasefire declaration has heightened concerns about instability in southern Lebanon and the broader region.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Islamabad and Tehran are entering a new era of prosperity, economic cooperation, and stronger bilateral relations. Speaking in parliament on Friday, he expressed optimism that recent ceasefire and peace efforts would improve the economic conditions of both Pakistan and Iran. His remarks followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan, which led to a notable drop in global oil prices.

Sharif stated that Pakistan has gained international recognition for its role in facilitating the peace agreement, describing it as a reflection of the country’s growing diplomatic stature. He also mentioned that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan over the phone for its support and invited him to attend the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Sharif confirmed that a Pakistani delegation would participate in the ceremony.

The developments highlight Pakistan’s increasing diplomatic engagement in regional peacebuilding and its strengthening ties with Iran following the recent mediation success.

Iran’s armed forces announced on Friday that they continue to maintain maximum war readiness, with no change in their level of preparation. In a statement, the military said it remains fully alert despite a truce agreement signed with the United States aimed at ending hostilities.

The statement emphasized that Iran’s forces are prepared to defend the country’s security, sovereignty, and national interests if the memorandum of understanding with the United States is violated. It added that troops remain vigilant and ready to act on the supreme commander’s orders. The military also pledged to continue strengthening its capabilities.

According to the statement, Iran’s leadership believes that the steadfast resistance of its people and the sacrifices of its armed forces have compelled adversaries to respect the Iranian nation and to pursue ceasefire and reconciliation.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared that Israel will soon be expelled from every inch of Lebanese territory. He made the statement on Friday during a Central Ashura Council event in Beirut. Qassem said that Israel’s ruling authorities had failed to shake Hezbollah’s determination and steadfastness, emphasizing that the group remains resilient despite all adversities and sanctions.

He added that Hezbollah does not fear death, describing it as an essential element of victory. Qassem stated that when attacked with weapons, Hezbollah responds in kind. He further asserted that every act rejecting occupation is a victory and reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to liberating Lebanese land from Israeli control.

According to Qassem, all Israeli efforts to eliminate the resistance have failed, and he expressed confidence that the people of Lebanon will ultimately drive out the occupying forces from all parts of the country.

A new Boeing 747-8 jet, gifted by Qatar to the United States last year, has been unveiled as the next Air Force One. The U.S. military completed extensive refurbishments on the aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million. During a speech at Joint Base Andrews on Friday, President Donald Trump described the plane as a luxurious flying White House unlike anything seen before.

According to a U.S. Air Force press release, the aircraft will undergo initial commissioning flights before being used for presidential transport. The upgrades include enhanced security systems, specialized communication technology, logistical support, and advanced technical capabilities. The Air Force stated that all potential security risks from the previously used aircraft have been eliminated.

While the interior design remains largely unchanged, the exterior now features a striking new red, white, blue, and gold color scheme, reflecting a modernized presidential aesthetic.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that Israel has been killing an average of one Palestinian child per day in Gaza since a declared ceasefire in October 2025. UNICEF described the ceasefire as a “cruel and deadly illusion,” noting that Israeli attacks have continued in the blockaded enclave. The agency said at least 265 Palestinian children have been killed since the ceasefire began.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told journalists in Geneva that the ongoing deaths expose the emptiness of the ceasefire, which has failed to protect children from Israeli shelling. He cited recent incidents where children were killed in their homes, schools, and public spaces, including while playing football or fishing. Elder also warned that hundreds of injured children urgently need medical evacuation, but Israeli restrictions on essential medicines are worsening infections and complications.

Elder urged governments and international organizations to act, saying that as long as children continue to die, no ceasefire can be considered meaningful.

Iran announced that it will not collect tolls from ships using the Strait of Hormuz for the next 60 days. The decision allows vessels applying to use the waterway to travel free of charge during this period. The Persian Gulf Waterway Authority has been instructed to process applications quickly and on a priority basis to implement the goals of a memorandum of understanding.

Tehran described the move as part of a broader assertion of control over the strategic strait, calling it a historic victory against the United States. Iran also rejected a European plan to deploy a naval mission to guard ships in the area. The announcement followed the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Iran, after which oil tankers began moving freely through the vital maritime route.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stated that, due to special circumstances and existing security risks, ships must follow designated routes and schedules set by authorities. The council said this approach would help gradually restore normal maritime operations.

Lebanon and Israel are set to hold their fifth round of talks in Washington, D.C., from June 23 to 25, 2026, aimed at reaching an agreement to end ongoing hostilities. The United States is mediating the discussions, which began in April and have so far failed to produce a ceasefire. Previous rounds were also hosted in Washington.

According to the US State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the upcoming meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in a phone call. Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the planned meeting would allow both sovereign governments to work toward a lasting peace. The talks are part of broader diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border.

The renewed dialogue underscores Washington’s continued involvement in regional peace initiatives, though it remains uncertain whether the fifth round will yield a breakthrough agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff are traveling to Switzerland to attend the first round of peace talks under the terms of a recently signed memorandum between Tehran and Washington. The discussions are set to take place at the Bürgenstock resort, following the signing of the memorandum by Presidents Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian. US Vice President JD Vance was initially scheduled to join but postponed his trip at the last moment.

The talks come after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon, easing tensions that had threatened to derail the Iran–US agreement. According to US and Qatari mediators, the truce was reached with Iran’s assistance. Reports indicate that Witkoff’s visit aims to begin preliminary discussions on a potential nuclear deal with Iran.

Analysts cited in the source noted that Israel’s continued military actions in Lebanon had complicated the diplomatic process. The ceasefire, confirmed by multiple officials, has removed a key obstacle to advancing broader peace efforts in the Middle East.

Iranian spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran is in no hurry to meet US representatives in Switzerland. He explained that a memorandum of understanding to end the war has already been signed electronically, reducing the need for an immediate meeting. Baghaei added that Iran plans to hold a meeting in the coming days.

According to a report by US media outlet Axios, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is planning a visit to Switzerland for discussions, though the trip remains subject to change. The report also mentioned that US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Switzerland for a round of talks.

The statements and reports indicate that while both sides are preparing for further diplomatic engagement, neither appears to be rushing into direct meetings following the electronic signing of the peace memorandum.

A train collision in Bedford, United Kingdom, on Friday afternoon resulted in the death of a train driver and injuries to 89 passengers. Among the injured, 11 are in critical condition, 22 sustained serious injuries, and 56 suffered minor wounds. The crash occurred between two southbound East Midlands Railway trains heading toward London St Pancras. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

East Midlands Railway confirmed that the trains involved were the 4:40 p.m. service from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3:50 p.m. service from Nottingham to the same destination. British Transport Police declared the collision a “major incident.” The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) stated that the deceased driver was a former union representative, and its general secretary expressed condolences to his family and colleagues.

Following the accident, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the event as “deeply concerning” and offered condolences. Train services to and from London St Pancras on East Midlands Railway have been temporarily suspended while the investigation continues.