Israeli air strikes hit Beirut, targeting Hezbollah, amid US-Iran deal talks

The Israeli military has struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut, putting pressure on US-Iran deal efforts. The attack was in response to Hezbollah firing towards northern Israel. At least three people were killed and 15 others injured in the strike.

Attack Details

The Israeli military said the attack targeted a Hezbollah command centre in the southern suburbs of Beirut, specifically in the Dahieh area. The strike was described as 'precise' and aimed at a centre used to advance 'terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers'. Lebanon's state media reported at least three people were killed and 15 others injured. Prior to the strikes, steps were taken to 'mitigate harm to civilians'.

International Reaction

US President Donald Trump responded to the strikes, expressing frustration at the timing and arguing that the attack should not have taken place, particularly on a day when a US-Iran deal was close to being signed. Trump acknowledged Israel's right to self-defence but called for all sides, including Hezbollah, to stand down. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the country is at a 'fateful juncture', with a choice to become a 'sovereign state that monopolises arms and upholds the rule of law', or to remain 'hostage to the logic of militias and the culture of exclusion'.