Author: yalibnan

The Saudi Embassy in Lebanon monitors current events in southern Lebanon closely, urging Saudi citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon and advising those already there to leave immediately in case of emergency. Iran warns of resistance against Israel if it attacks Lebanon, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. Tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas continue to escalate, with the USS Wasp deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati calls for peace, emphasizing the need to implement UN resolutions for stability in the region. Resolution 1701 establishes a demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon,…

The USS Wasp amphibious assault ship has entered the eastern Mediterranean Sea this week amidst rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Positioned to deter further escalation of conflict, the USS Wasp is equipped to assist in evacuations if needed. This deployment mirrors past actions where U.S. warships supported containment efforts during regional conflicts. The ship carries F-35 fighter jets for airstrike missions off smaller vessels. Accompanied by the USS Oak Hill and USS New York, the Wasp is part of a U.S. effort to maintain stability in the region. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been escalating since…

Iran Votes for New President Amidst Political Tensions and Western Pressure Iranians recently participated in a tightly controlled presidential election following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The outcome of the election, amidst regional tensions and Western pressure, has the potential to influence the succession to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s 85-year-old supreme leader. The election did not bring major policy shifts but still holds significance in the Iranian political landscape. With a limited pool of candidates loyal to Khamenei, including hardliners and a moderate, the election carried implications for Iran’s future both domestically and abroad. The clerical…

Written by Tom Perry A satellite image shows the devastation in Aita al-Shaab, Lebanon, following ongoing hostilities with Israel. Satellite images reveal the destruction caused by Israeli air strikes in the Lebanese village of Aita al-Shaab, a Hezbollah stronghold. The images captured at least 64 sites with multiple buildings in ruins. Located in south Lebanon, the village has been heavily targeted due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, escalating to their worst confrontation in 18 years. The fighting, triggered by the Gaza war and escalating since, has resulted in widespread damage and displacement of thousands of people. Aita al-Shaab…

Smoke from an Israeli strike against a Hezbollah target on June 25 in Khiam, Lebanon. Chris McGrath / Getty Images Recent reports suggest that Israel may launch airstrikes and a potential ground offensive in Lebanon in the near future, leading to escalating tensions in the region. The United States is closely monitoring the situation and preparing to evacuate Americans from the area as the conflict intensifies. The Pentagon has deployed military assets closer to Israel and Lebanon, including the USS Wasp and Marines, to ensure readiness for potential evacuations and other missions. Both countries are on high alert as cross-border…

Turkish President Erdogan accuses Israel of targeting Lebanon, warning of the potential for a broader conflict in the region. He criticized Western powers for supporting Israel’s expansionist plans and urged Muslim-majority countries to stand in solidarity with Lebanon. Erdogan’s remarks have sparked tensions with Israel, with the Israeli Foreign Minister accusing him of supporting Hezbollah. Following a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati, Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s support for Lebanon against Israel’s aggressive policies. The escalating situation comes amid fears of an Israeli offensive in Lebanon and strained relations between Turkey and Israel due to the Hamas-Israel war. Erdogan’s criticism…

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad faces an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes during the Syrian civil war. Despite denials from Assad’s government, French courts have upheld the warrant, citing evidence of chemical attacks in Douma and Eastern Ghouta. The decision marks a rare instance of holding a sitting head of state accountable for crimes against humanity. Victims of the attacks have welcomed the ruling, viewing it as a step towards justice for the atrocities committed during the civil war. The warrants also target Assad’s brother and two generals, allowing for potential arrests and questioning in France. While Assad is…

Canada Urges Citizens to Leave Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions Canada has issued a strong warning to its citizens in Lebanon, urging them to depart immediately due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah-backed by Iran. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly emphasized the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the country, urging Canadians to take advantage of commercial flights while they are still available. Evacuation Preparation Recognizing the potential for a large-scale Israeli air attack on Lebanon, Canadian officials are mindful of the need to evacuate citizens under fire, as was done during the 2006 war. Canada spent millions to evacuate…

The United States has imposed sanctions on nearly 50 entities and individuals involved in moving billions of dollars for Iran’s military. The U.S. Treasury Department targeted a “shadow banking network” used by Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These entities helped MODAFL and IRGC gain access to the international financial system and process billions of dollars, supporting the provision of weapons to Iran’s proxy groups and the transfer of drones to Russia. Washington’s sanctions are part of efforts to combat terrorism financing and increase vigilance against such activities. The move freezes…

Escalating Tensions Between Israel and Hezbollah: Preventing All-Out War Written by David Schenker As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, the need for diplomacy to prevent an all-out war becomes crucial. Despite efforts to separate forces at the border, time is running out as tensions continue to rise. Nine months into the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the conflict with Hezbollah is escalating, with both sides increasing military actions and aggressive rhetoric. Israeli Minister of Defence warns of a conflict on a “different scale” against Hezbollah, while the Hezbollah leader threatens Israel with missiles and drones. To prevent a catastrophic…