The U.S. State Department said Wednesday that the discussions were “productive” and that both sides agreed on the structure and guidelines for the pilot zone process, with final details expected to be with final details expected to be completed in the coming days before the plan is put into effect in the coming days. If successful, the initiative could revive efforts to reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and lay the groundwork for broader negotiations between the two countries.

Neither the Lebanese nor Israeli governments immediately commented publicly on the outcome of the talks.

Pilot Zones Mark First Step

The pilot zones form the first phase of a framework agreement announced by Lebanon and Israel on June 26. The agreement calls for Israeli forces to withdraw from designated areas while the Lebanese army assumes control and removes any Hezbollah presence., Israeli forces would withdraw from designated areas in southern Lebanon while the Lebanese army assumes control and removes any Hezbollah presence.

The agreement also outlines steps toward a broader peace process between the neighboring countries, which have technically remained in a state of war since Israel’s establishment nearly 80 years ago.

Implementation had stalled before this week’s negotiations. Ahead of the Rome talks, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the country’s delegation had been instructed to seek the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the proposed pilot zones before discussing additional measures.

Although the State Department did not identify the locations on Wednesday, Lebanese and Israeli officials had previously indicated the pilot areas would include the towns of Froun, Ghandouriyeh and Zawtar.

The proposed zones have drawn criticism inside Lebanon because Israeli forces were reportedly absent from much of the selected territory.

Critics have questioned how a withdrawal would be implemented. The Lebanese army had instead advocated larger pilot areas that included more territory currently occupied by Israeli forces.

Ceasefire faces continued political and military obstacles

The State Department said successful implementation of the pilot zones would be followed by broader technical negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement., implementation of the pilot zones would be followed by expanded technical negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

The current conflict began after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel several days after Israel and the United States began military operations against Iran on Feb. 28. Israel subsequently invaded southern Lebanon and continues to occupy a significant portion of the area.

The Lebanese government has sought to separate negotiations with Israel from broader U.S.-Iran diplomacy as it attempts to reduce Iran’s influence over Lebanese affairs. Hezbollah and Iran, by contrast, have sought to link any settlement in Lebanon to wider negotiations involving Tehran and Washington.

Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, saying it does not intend to disarm or abide by its provisions. Israeli officials have also stated publicly that they expect to maintain an extended military presence in southern Lebanon.

Trump calls for Israeli redeployment

U.S. President Donald In an interview with Fox News that aired Wednesday, Trump said he would like, that he would like to see Israeli forces withdraw or redeploy from parts of southern Lebanon and southern Syria.

“Southern Syria and from parts of Lebanon, yeah, it would be good to get out, I think, and I think you might see things get a little bit calmer,” Trump said. “We have to focus our energy on the big leagues. The big leagues are Iran.”

Trump also repeated his proposal that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa deploy Syrian forces into Lebanon to confront Hezbollah, arguing that al-Sharaa “would be more precise” than Israel.

Al-Sharaa has previously stated publicly that Syria intends to remain outside the regional conflict and Al-Sharaa has repeatedly said Syria intends to remain outside the regional conflict and has no plans to intervene militarily in Lebanon, underscoring the competing visions among regional leaders as negotiations continue. to intervene militarily in Lebanon.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Lebanon | Israel | Hezbollah | United States | Border Security | Middle East Diplomacy | Ceasefire

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President Donald Trump announced the blockade Monday, and the U.S. military confirmed Tuesday that it had taken effect. The move follows weeks of escalating violence around the Strait of Hormuz despite a June agreement intended to reduce hostilities and create space for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Interim Agreement Under Pressure

The temporary agreement, reached in mid-June after the United States lifted an earlier blockade imposed in April, created a 60-day window for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and addressing Iran’s disputed nuclear activities.

However, the agreement has done little to calm the fighting. fighting has intensified around the Strait of Hormuz. Before the conflict disrupted commercial traffic, roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded crude oil and natural gas passed through the strategic waterway.

Hours before restoring the blockade, Trump withdrew a proposal to impose a 20% transit fee on vessels using the strait. Speaking at the White House, he said Gulf leaders had offered to increase investment in the United States instead of introducing shipping charges. He added that the waterway should remain open to international shipping without tolls.

Military Operations Continue

U.S. Central Command said American forces carried out additional strikes inside Iran before the blockade resumed. The military said the operation targeted coastal defense systems, missile and drone facilities, and maritime capabilities used to threaten commercial shipping.

The command said Iranian attacks on seven commercial vessels over the previous week left nearly a dozen civilians dead, injured or missing. It added that Iran had launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighboring Gulf countries.

Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said the operation responded to what he described as continued Iranian aggression against civilian shipping and regional security.

Iran acknowledged that strikes had occurred but did not immediately provide casualty figures or damage assessments.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, told state broadcaster IRIB that Washington was attempting to prevent Iran from exercising what he described as effective sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media later reported exchanges of fire in the strait but provided no additional details. Those reports could not be independently verified.

Regional Concerns Grow

Qatar called for renewed diplomatic efforts and condemned what it described as repeated Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, saying the strikes violated those countries’ sovereignty and the international rules-based order.

Iranian state media also reported explosions in Bushehr, Ahvaz and the southern port city of Bandar Abbas after U.S. forces said their latest round of strikes had concluded. The reports did not identify who carried out the attacks.

The reports fueled speculation that additional regional actors could become involved in the conflict. However, no Gulf government publicly claimed responsibility for the reported strikes.

Negotiations Face Mounting Pressure

Trump said additional U.S. military action could follow if negotiations fail to resume. At the same time, he said American and Iranian negotiators had remained in contact earlier in the day, despite expressing skepticism about the prospects for a breakthrough.

Regional officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, told The Associated Press that Pakistan-led mediation efforts remain active as negotiators try to restore the ceasefire before the conflict escalates further.

Separate U.S.-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel also continued in Rome after implementation of a framework agreement announced last month stalled. The agreement aims to secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Fighting continued around the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday as diplomats worked to preserve the interim agreement. With military operations expanding and negotiations under growing pressure, prospects for restoring the ceasefire before the 60-day deadline remain uncertain.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Strait of Hormuz | Iran | United States | Gulf Security | Maritime Trade | Diplomacy | Energy Markets

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Hours later, Iran retaliated by attacking Bahrain and two tankers linked to the United Arab Emirates as they transited the Strait of Hormuz. Emirati officials said one mariner was killed and eight others were injured, raising concerns that another Gulf state could be drawn directly into the conflict.

The renewed fighting comes as Washington and Tehran compete for control of the strategic waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas shipments moved before the conflict. Markets reacted quickly, with Brent crude rising above $84 a barrel in early Tuesday trading amid concerns over global energy supplies.

U.S. Expands Military Campaign

U.S. Central Command said American forces struck targets near Abu Musa, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask and Konarak.

According to the military, the operation targeted Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone facilities, and maritime assets.

Iran confirmed strikes had occurred around those locations but did not immediately report casualties or provide details on the extent of the damage.

Central Command said the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping and civilians operating in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the White House, Trump described the operation as “another major attack.” He said U.S. forces were “hitting them very hard” and warned that the campaign would continue.

The president also announced that the United States would restore the maritime blockade after temporarily lifting it under last month’s interim peace agreement.

Trump added that his administration plans to recover the cost of maritime security operations by charging vessels that transit the strait. He argued that the United States should be compensated for protecting international shipping.

The proposal represents a major shift from longstanding U.S. policy supporting unrestricted freedom of navigation through international waterways. Before fighting escalated following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, commercial traffic moved through the strait without tolls. Any effort by Washington or Tehran to impose transit fees would challenge established maritime practice and could further increase regional tensions.

Iran Targets Tankers and Bahrain

The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry said Iran fired two cruise missiles at the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Both vessels caught fire after the strikes, although authorities said firefighters later brought the blazes under control.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the attack. It alleged the ships ignored repeated warnings and entered what it described as a minefield before they were targeted.

According to Emirati officials, one Indian national was killed. Six other Indian nationals and two Ukrainians were injured.

The ministry warned that the UAE “reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens and residents.”

Officials noted that similar language preceded the UAE’s earlier entry into military operations against Iran. Fighter aircraft were also reported over Dubai on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, Bahrain came under renewed Iranian attack following the latest U.S. strikes. Authorities activated missile warning sirens twice and urged residents to seek shelter.

Officials had not reported casualties or damage by the time of publication.

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai canceled consular appointments through Wednesday because of the deteriorating security situation.

Trump Defends Maritime Policy Shift

Earlier Monday, Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that last month’s interim agreement had been a test of Iran’s intentions.

He said Tehran had failed that test and argued that agreements have little value if they are not honored.

Iran maintains that the interim agreement gives it authority to regulate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and potentially collect transit fees. The United States rejects that interpretation.

According to The Associated Press, the United States military and the International Maritime Organization have worked to establish an alternative shipping corridor closer to Oman’s coastline. Iran has repeatedly attacked vessels using that route, accusing Washington of violating the interim agreement. In turn, U.S. military operations have prompted additional Iranian attacks against Gulf allies.

Maritime Tensions Deepen

The latest military exchanges have further weakened the interim agreement reached last month, under which both sides committed to reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Washington suspended an earlier blockade.

In a social media post, Trump announced that the United States was “reinstating the Iranian blockade” while saying all other countries would continue to have access to the waterway.

He also said the United States would seek reimbursement equal to 20% of cargo values to cover maritime security costs.

Separately, the U.S. military said its blockade of Iranian ports would resume at midnight Wednesday local time in Dubai.

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of the expanding conflict. With military operations continuing and both sides signaling further action, uncertainty persists over commercial shipping, global energy markets and regional security.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Article Topics: United States | Iran | Strait of Hormuz | Gulf Security | Maritime Trade | Bahrain | United Arab Emirates | Oil Markets

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The state-run Qatar News Agency reported his death but did not disclose a cause.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until his voluntary abdication in June 2013, making way for his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The peaceful transfer of power was rare in the Gulf, where rulers have traditionally remained in office until death or removal.

During his 18 years in power, Qatar used its vast natural gas wealth to expand its influence far beyond the Gulf. The country invested heavily in infrastructure, international business, diplomacy and global sports, reshaping its position on the world stage.

One of Sheikh Hamad’s most significant legacies was the creation of Al Jazeera, which became one of the Arab world’s most influential news organizations. Qatar also expanded Qatar Airways into a leading international airline, increased investments in global real estate and sports, and secured the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

After stepping down, Sheikh Hamad remained a respected national figure. He received a warm public reception during the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Doha.

Regional Influence and Diplomatic Reach

Sheikh Hamad sought to establish Qatar as a regional mediator. During his rule, the country played diplomatic roles in conflicts involving Sudan, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories and Afghanistan.

Qatar also maintained ties with a wide range of international partners, including the United States, Iran and several regional political movements.

Those relationships, however, also strained ties with neighboring Gulf states. Qatar’s links to Iran, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood drew criticism and later contributed to the regional blockade imposed by Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during Sheikh Tamim’s reign.

Rise to Power

Born into Qatar’s ruling Al Thani family, Sheikh Hamad received military training at Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before serving as commander of the armed forces and defense minister.

He later became crown prince and took power in 1995 after peacefully deposing his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless palace coup.

Under his leadership, Qatar became one of the world’s wealthiest countries on a per-capita basis. Revenue from liquefied natural gas exports financed major infrastructure projects, overseas investments and ambitious economic development.

Doha also emerged as a global aviation hub through the expansion of Hamad International Airport, which was later named in his honor.

Qatar pursued an aggressive international investment strategy during his reign. The country acquired London’s Harrods department store, invested in major global companies and expanded its influence in international sports, including ownership of Paris Saint-Germain.

Lasting Legacy

In his final year in office, Qatar deepened its role as a diplomatic intermediary. In 2013, the country opened a political office for Afghanistan’s Taliban, helping lay the groundwork for negotiations that ultimately preceded the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

His decision to step down was widely seen as an effort to ensure a smooth generational transition during a period of significant regional change following the Arab Spring.

Sheikh Hamad is survived by his son, Sheikh Tamim, who has led Qatar since 2013 and has continued many of the domestic and foreign policies established during his father’s reign.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Diplomacy | Royal Family | Al Jazeera | Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani | Qatar | ArabWorld | Qatari Royal Family | Leadership

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The United States launched several waves of airstrikes overnight after Iran attacked a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. In response, Tehran fired missiles toward countries across the region that host American military forces.

The latest escalation comes despite an interim agreement between Washington and Tehran that was intended to pave the way for negotiations on a permanent settlement. Instead, the renewed fighting has raised concerns that the conflict could widen.

U.S. Targets Iranian Military Infrastructure

U.S. Central Command said American forces struck dozens of military targets across Iran early Monday. The targets included air defense systems, radar installations, missile and drone equipment, and small naval vessels.

The strikes followed an Iranian attack on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz that left the vessel on fire and one crew member missing.

Central Command also rejected Iran’s claim that it has exclusive control over the strategic waterway.

“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade,” the command said.

“Iran does not control it.”

The military said U.S. forces remain prepared to protect commercial shipping and ensure freedom of navigation despite what it described as continued Iranian threats and harassment.

Earlier Sunday, Central Command said U.S. forces had struck about 140 targets across Iran, including missile and drone launch sites, ammunition depots and communications facilities.

“We bombed the hell out of them last night,” President Donald Trump said during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press.

Iran Expands Retaliation Across the Region

Iran responded by launching attacks against countries hosting U.S. military forces. Missile warning sirens sounded Monday morning in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

Authorities did not immediately report any damage in Bahrain.

Iranian state media confirmed fresh U.S. strikes on several locations inside Iran, reporting explosions and at least one death.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched a new round of attacks across the Middle East.

“The era of one-sided deals is OVER,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf wrote.

“We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking.”

Iran also launched attacks Sunday targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Oman, whose territorial waters form part of the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz Remains at the Center of the Dispute

Control of the Strait of Hormuz has become the main issue threatening the interim agreement between Washington and Tehran.

Iran says it has sole authority over the waterway and has suggested charging vessels to pass through the strait.

The United States rejects that position and maintains the route must remain open to international shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Before the conflict, about one-fifth of globally traded oil and natural gas passed through the waterway.

Since fighting began on Feb. 28 following the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has repeatedly targeted commercial vessels in the area.

In response, the United States has escorted commercial ships along a southern route through Omani waters. Iran has continued attacking vessels despite those measures.

Oil prices initially climbed above $120 per barrel after the conflict began but have since fallen significantly.

Diplomacy Continues Despite Renewed Fighting

The United States and Iran are nearing the midpoint of a 60-day interim agreement that was designed to support negotiations on a permanent settlement.

However, the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz has renewed military exchanges between the two sides.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that another full-scale conflict would have severe consequences.

“A return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences,” Guterres said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt continued diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving the ceasefire framework.

A regional official involved in the negotiations said talks continued Sunday in an effort to prevent further escalation.

Pakistan also confirmed that its foreign minister spoke by telephone with Iran’s top diplomat and urged both sides to pursue de-escalation.

At the same time, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first public statement since his father’s funeral, vowing to avenge the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Iran | United States | Strait of Hormuz | Middle East | Donald Trump | Military | Diplomacy | Global Security

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Trump said he believes the ceasefire is effectively over and questioned the value of continuing negotiations with Tehran. At the same time, he maintained that the latest military operations should not be viewed as the beginning of another prolonged conflict.

The mixed messaging comes only weeks after the United States and Iran reached an interim agreement designed to halt hostilities and create a pathway toward negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington has accused Iran of continuing attacks against commercial shipping in the strategic waterway and of delaying progress toward a broader nuclear agreement. Tehran, meanwhile, contends that the United States has failed to uphold its own commitments under the temporary arrangement.

Regional Mediators Intensify Diplomatic Efforts

As military operations resumed, regional governments accelerated diplomatic efforts to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing altogether.

According to a regional intelligence official involved in mediation efforts, senior officials from Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt remain engaged in continuous discussions aimed at preserving the agreement. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi leaders are also participating in efforts to reduce tensions.

The official, who spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, described the situation as increasingly fragile amid growing mistrust between Washington and Tehran.

One of the principal disputes centers on security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas exports. U.S. officials accuse Iran of threatening freedom of navigation, while Iranian officials argue that Washington has violated understandings reached during negotiations and has failed to ensure implementation of a ceasefire involving Lebanon, including an Israeli military withdrawal.

Nuclear negotiations were expected to become the next phase of diplomacy following last month’s interim agreement, with both sides exploring a more durable settlement.

Military Pressure Raises Questions About Negotiations

Hours after warning that additional military action could occur, Trump confirmed that U.S. forces had launched fresh strikes intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Anything that happens is going to happen very fast,” Trump said before the operation. “We’re not looking for a long time.”

He later suggested that the United States might no longer prioritize preserving the ceasefire.

“I think it’s over,” Trump said, adding that Washington could “just finish the job.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected Trump’s position, accusing the United States of repeatedly violating the interim agreement.

“The era of bullying and extortion is over,” Qalibaf wrote on X. “It leads nowhere. We don’t fold.”

Pakistan, which helped broker the ceasefire, urged both governments to maintain dialogue.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said continued diplomacy remained the only viable path toward achieving lasting regional peace.

Analysts See Continued Bargaining Despite Escalation

Despite Trump’s increasingly confrontational rhetoric, some analysts believe both governments remain engaged in a broader negotiating strategy.

Michael Eisenstadt, director of the Military and Security Studies Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said public declarations about abandoning the memorandum of understanding may themselves be part of ongoing negotiations.

“We’re still in negotiating mode, no matter what the president says,” Eisenstadt said.

Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group, said Washington appears to be increasing military pressure while attempting to preserve diplomatic options.

However, he cautioned that such coercive tactics carry significant risks if military escalation begins to outpace political control.

Vaez also argued that Iran retains strong incentives to continue negotiations because it needs the economic relief envisioned under the interim agreement.

Political and Economic Risks Continue to Grow

Vice President JD Vance defended the renewed military action, saying Iran had complied with the agreement only briefly before resuming attacks on shipping.

“If they shoot at ships, we’re going to knock the hell out of them,” Vance said during an event in Milwaukee.

Trump has also revived threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure, including electric facilities, desalination plants and the country’s oil-production hub on Kharg Island, saying the United States could seize the island if necessary.

Meanwhile, continued instability has renewed concerns about global energy markets.

Trump acknowledged that military operations can push oil prices higher but argued the consequences are justified if they prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The economic implications may also carry domestic political consequences.

With U.S. midterm elections less than four months away, sustained increases in fuel prices could create additional political pressure for Republicans seeking to maintain control of Congress, even as the administration argues that its strategy is necessary to address long-term security concerns.

Whether the renewed military campaign represents a negotiating tactic or the beginning of a broader escalation remains uncertain, as regional mediators continue working to prevent the temporary ceasefire from unraveling completely.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Iran Conflict | Donald Trump | Strait of Hormuz | Ceasefire | Nuclear Talks | U.S. Military | Middle East | Oil Prices

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Mass funeral processions in Tehran and other cities drew large crowds of supporters who praised Khamenei as a defender of the Islamic Republic and an opponent of the United States and Israel. At the same time, many Iranians reflected on years of political repression, economic hardship and growing polarization that critics say intensified during his leadership.

Interviews conducted by The Associated Press with Iranians from different backgrounds highlighted starkly different views of Khamenei’s rule, underscoring the divisions that continue to shape the country’s political landscape as its leadership transitions to a new era.

A legacy that divided Iranian society

One Tehran-based technology worker, speaking anonymously for security reasons, said Khamenei’s leadership widened political and religious divisions even within families.

Raised in a traditional religious household in Qom, the center of Shiite religious scholarship in Iran, he said he abandoned both regular prayer and support for clerical rule while still in his twenties. Today, he said, political and religious disagreements have become so severe that meaningful discussions with relatives are nearly impossible.

He described Iranian society as deeply fractured, blaming Khamenei for creating divisions that extend beyond supporters and opponents of the Islamic Republic.

Funeral ceremonies, however, presented a contrasting image. Many mourners portrayed Khamenei as a martyr whose resistance to Western pressure and Israel defined his leadership. Some participants echoed hard-line slogans opposing negotiations with Washington, while others called for retaliation following his death.

“Our goal is to prove to the world that we will not submit to oppression and tyranny, and that we will avenge the blood of our leader,” 60-year-old mourner Hossein Akbari said during the funeral in Tehran.

Three decades of expanding state power

Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed shah.

Throughout more than three decades in office, Khamenei expanded Iran’s nuclear program, developed its missile capabilities and strengthened alliances with armed groups across the Middle East while resisting international sanctions and pressure.

Domestically, he consolidated clerical rule by weakening reformist movements and significantly expanding the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps across military, political and economic institutions. His government also maintained strict enforcement of religious and social regulations despite growing demands among younger Iranians for greater personal freedoms.

Protest crackdowns reshaped public opinion

Many observers view the government’s suppression of mass protests following the disputed 2009 presidential election as a defining moment of Khamenei’s rule. Security forces killed dozens while suppressing demonstrations challenging the election outcome, weakening hopes among many reform-minded Iranians that change could be achieved through political participation.

A senior adviser to reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged last month that Iranian society had become “severely polarized” between committed supporters of the Islamic Republic and those seeking its collapse. Ali Rabiei, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said a large segment of society remained between those competing camps and could support gradual reforms within the existing political system.

Election turnout has reflected growing public disillusionment. Participation in Iran’s most recent presidential election fell to one of the lowest levels on record, although reformist candidate Pezeshkian ultimately secured 16.3 million votes compared with 13.5 million for his hard-line rival.

January crackdown deepened public anger

Successive waves of protests since 2009 have been met with force, but January’s nationwide demonstrations became the deadliest in recent years after security forces killed thousands while suppressing protests that began over economic conditions before expanding into calls for Khamenei’s removal.

The sister of a protester killed in Tehran on Jan. 9 described Khamenei’s legacy as one of “injustice,” saying her family continues to struggle emotionally and financially following her sister’s death.

She said worsening economic conditions have added to the hardship facing ordinary families, with workers increasingly unable to afford basic necessities.

During this year’s Ashoura commemorations, videos shared on social media showed some participants carrying photographs of relatives killed during the January crackdown, reflecting a quieter form of public dissent. The authenticity of those videos could not be independently verified.

Uncertain future after Khamenei

Despite Khamenei’s death and the recent U.S.-Israeli military campaign, Iran’s leadership has remained intact. Authorities emerged from the conflict with an interim agreement with the United States that could eventually lead to sanctions relief if negotiations produce a comprehensive nuclear agreement, although the outcome remains uncertain.

A 35-year-old woman who participated in January’s protests said the interim deal represented a political success for the Islamic Republic but cautioned that ordinary Iranians would judge it by whether it produced meaningful improvements in daily life.

She also expressed concern over growing divisions among opponents of clerical rule, with some favoring rapid political change while others advocate gradual reform.

Economic hardship remains the most immediate concern for many Iranians. A 33-year-old former technology worker in Tehran said rising unemployment, inflation and falling incomes have left many families focused simply on paying for rent and food after layoffs spread through the private sector.

Governance challenges remain

Rebin Rahmani, director of the Kurdish Human Rights Network, said the Islamic Republic continued relying on security measures rather than political reforms to address mounting economic and social challenges, warning that periodic unrest was likely to continue.

Within the government, President Pezeshkian and other pragmatists hope ongoing negotiations with Washington could eventually secure sanctions relief and help revive Iran’s economy. According to the report, they currently appear to have tentative backing from Khamenei’s son and successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who remains in hiding and has expressed cautious support for continued talks in a written statement.

Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group, said the country’s greatest challenge may emerge after wartime unity fades.

“Wartime gave the system a degree of cohesion under shared duress,” Vaez said. “But the governance challenges remain just as stark.”

As Iran moves beyond Khamenei’s rule, competing political factions now face the task of defining the future direction of the Islamic Republic while confronting persistent economic difficulties and a society that remains deeply divided.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Topics: Iran | Ali Khamenei | Middle East | Iranian Politics | U.S.-Iran Relations | Political Unrest | Economic Crisis | Nuclear Talks

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The agreement outlines a path toward an eventual peace accord between the two countries, which have technically remained at war since Israel’s establishment in 1948. Under the framework, Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanese territory only after Hezbollah is disarmed, a condition that has been firmly rejected by the Iran-backed militant group.

The proposal has sharpened tensions between Lebanon’s Western-backed government and Hezbollah, with supporters of the group staging demonstrations and blocking major roads. Senior Hezbollah figures have warned that any attempt to enforce the group’s disarmament could trigger internal conflict, reviving memories of Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war and the armed confrontations that erupted in 2008.

The issue is expected to dominate discussions when Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visits the White House on July 21, while uncertainty surrounding broader U.S.-Iran relations continues to cloud prospects for implementing the agreement.

Regional conflict shapes Lebanon’s political divide

Lebanon has long been divided between political factions aligned with Western countries and those backed by Iran, led by Hezbollah. Both sides view the outcome of the current negotiations as critical to Lebanon’s political future.

The latest round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began in March after the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran. Hezbollah entered the conflict without authorization from Lebanon’s government and later sought to tie an end to hostilities with Israel to wider negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Lebanese authorities instead pursued a separate ceasefire directly with Israel, seeking to limit Iran’s influence over decisions affecting Lebanon’s security.

Agreement shifts political momentum

Supporters of Hezbollah initially welcomed the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran because it explicitly called for an end to the fighting in Lebanon. The truce significantly reduced hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

However, Israeli troops continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, while hundreds of thousands of displaced residents remain unable to return to villages and urban neighborhoods that were heavily damaged during the fighting.

Momentum shifted after Israel and Lebanon announced a framework agreement in Washington on June 26. The deal made the withdrawal of Israeli forces conditional on Hezbollah’s disarmament throughout Lebanon, a provision that fundamentally altered the political landscape.

Government officials have presented the agreement as a path toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty and enabling displaced civilians to return home. Hezbollah, however, argues that the absence of a timetable for Israel’s withdrawal effectively allows an indefinite military presence.

The group’s supporters have protested in Beirut, blocking roads and burning banners bearing the slogan “Lebanon First,” which many view as directed at Hezbollah. Secretary-General Naim Kassem described the agreement as a “humiliation” and declared that Hezbollah would not comply with its terms.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah warned that the government could not implement the agreement without provoking civil war if it attempted to disarm the organization with U.S. backing.

His remarks echoed the events of May 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized parts of Beirut after the government attempted to dismantle the group’s private telecommunications network. The government ultimately reversed its decision following days of armed clashes.

Hezbollah is now demanding that Lebanon’s government rescind a March 2 decision declaring the group’s military and security activities illegal.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has rejected Hezbollah’s warnings, saying the agreement with Israel would restore state authority across Lebanese territory.

“I am not looking for a confrontation with Hezbollah but neither myself nor anyone in the government will accept to be blackmailed by Hezbollah,” Salam told Lebanon’s LBC television.

Implementation remains stalled

Despite political statements from both sides, implementation of the agreement has yet to begin.

The framework calls for two pilot zones where Israeli forces would transfer control to the Lebanese army after confirming the absence of Hezbollah fighters.

Although Salam has indicated implementation could begin soon, Lebanese military officials say they have received no timetable or operational details regarding any Israeli withdrawal.

The initial pilot areas include Froun, Ghandouriyeh and Zawtar. Much of that territory was not under direct Israeli military control, prompting questions about how the proposed withdrawal would proceed. A Lebanese military official, speaking anonymously because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the army had requested larger pilot zones covering more occupied territory.

An Israeli military official, also speaking anonymously under briefing rules, said the military is awaiting instructions from Israel’s political leadership before moving forward.

Political deadlock remains a risk

Lebanon’s sectarian political system has historically struggled with prolonged institutional deadlock alongside episodes of political violence.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a close Hezbollah ally, has warned that the agreement “will not pass” in its current form.

Wissam Lahham, a constitutional law professor at St. Joseph University in Beirut, said Lebanon’s constitution requires international treaties to receive approval from two-thirds of the Cabinet before becoming legally binding. No Cabinet vote has been scheduled, and Lahham said it remains unclear whether parliamentary approval would also be required.

In a speech on Wednesday, Kassem reiterated Hezbollah’s opposition to the framework, telling the government that “not a single clause of the framework agreement will be approved.”

Michael Young, senior editor at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, said the Lebanese government’s effort to separate the country’s future from broader U.S.-Iran negotiations was understandable in principle but difficult to achieve.

“You cannot reach any kind of solution with regard to Hezbollah unless Iran is on board,” Young said. “The Iranians will not give up on Hezbollah, and at the same time the Lebanese are not willing to enter into an armed conflict with Hezbollah.”

With implementation stalled, political opposition mounting and Hezbollah refusing to accept the disarmament requirement, the future of the agreement remains uncertain as Lebanon confronts another period of heightened political strain.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Topics: Hezbollah | Lebanon | Israel | Middle East | U.S. Diplomacy | Regional Security | Ceasefire | Joseph Aoun

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According to U.S. Central Command, American forces targeted Iranian military assets in response to attacks on commercial vessels operating in international waters. The renewed military action comes as Iran continues funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death at the start of the conflict has added uncertainty to the country’s political and security landscape.

The latest exchange further complicates efforts to restore unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and secure a lasting end to the war that began on Feb. 28.

US expands military campaign following shipping attacks

In a statement posted on social media, U.S. Central Command said the strikes were intended “to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.”

Two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the operation was ongoing, said American forces were targeting Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance facilities, ground-to-air missile batteries, launch sites for anti-ship cruise missiles and drones, as well as Iranian port infrastructure.

One of the officials said the operation was expected to continue for several hours and would strike roughly eight times as many targets as the retaliatory attacks conducted at the end of June. The official said Washington believed Iran had ignored previous warnings and was therefore increasing military pressure.

Iranian state media reported explosions in Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi wrote on X that the American strikes violated the interim agreement reached between the two countries.

The operation also coincided with President Donald Trump’s attendance at a NATO summit in Turkey.

Washington revokes Iranian oil sales license

Hours after the attacks on commercial shipping, the United States revoked a license that had temporarily allowed the sale of Iranian oil under the interim agreement reached to reduce hostilities.

A U.S. official said the authorization was withdrawn because Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz required consequences. The official also spoke anonymously because they were discussing internal government reasoning.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, saying the United States had breached the interim agreement and would bear responsibility for the consequences.

U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports have remained in place since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. During the conflict, however, Washington had twice permitted limited Iranian oil sales as an incentive to support negotiations after fighting disrupted maritime traffic through the strait.

Commercial vessels come under attack

The latest attacks represented the largest number of strikes against commercial vessels in a single day since late April, according to the U.N. International Maritime Organization.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said one tanker caught fire after being struck while sailing off the coast of Oman. Iranian state television reported that the liquefied natural gas tanker was attacked after disregarding warnings, though it stopped short of directly claiming responsibility.

The other two ships sustained damage but remained seaworthy, and no injuries were reported, according to the British maritime agency.

Location data released by the agency indicated all three incidents occurred near Oman or the neighboring United Arab Emirates, suggesting the vessels were using the internationally recognized route close to Omani waters.

Iran has repeatedly declared that only shipping routes approved by Tehran are safe and has been suspected of previous attacks against vessels using routes closer to Oman.

Before the conflict, approximately one-fifth of globally traded oil and natural gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz, making any disruption a significant concern for global energy markets.

Regional concerns over maritime security

Qatar condemned the attack on one of its vessels after Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat had been targeted in what he described on X as an unacceptable attack on international navigation and global energy security.

Al-Ansari said Qatar held Iran “fully legally responsible.”

The Joint Maritime Information Center, a multinational organization overseen by the U.S. Navy, advised commercial shipping earlier this week that the expanded route around Oman remained open to maritime traffic.

Under the interim arrangement, Iran and the United States had agreed to allow ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz without charges for 60 days. Tehran, however, maintained that it should regulate vessel routing and later impose transit fees, a proposal rejected by the United States and several Gulf Arab states.

Shipping data firm Kpler reported that at least 108 vessels transited the strait during the previous weekend using multiple available routes.

Funeral ceremonies for Khamenei continue

Iranian authorities transported Khamenei’s body to the religious city of Qom, where large crowds gathered Tuesday for funeral ceremonies.

State television broadcast live footage showing hundreds of thousands of mourners walking toward Jamkaran Mosque. In Shiite tradition, the site is associated with Muhammad al-Mahdi, the 12th Imam, who is believed to one day return.

Khamenei’s son and successor, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly since the ceremonies began in Tehran on Saturday. He is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father.

Late Tuesday, Khamenei’s body arrived in Najaf, Iraq, where officials from both countries received it ahead of planned processions in Najaf and Karbala. He is scheduled to be buried Thursday at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Topics: United States | Iran | Strait of Hormuz | Gulf Security | Commercial Shipping | NATO | Oil Exports | Regional Conflict

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