JERUSALEM — Israel launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday.Smoke was seen rising over the Lebanese capital after the strikes, which came a week after a similar attack triggered the most serious escalation between Israel and Iran-backed forces since a fragile ceasefire took effect in April.The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were carried out in response to Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel.The Israeli military said earlier that Hezbollah had launched three projectiles toward military positions in northern Israel. Strike raises concerns over negotiationsThe attack came as mediators worked to finalize an agreement between the United States and Iran following months of negotiations led by Pakistan and supported by regional partners.Iran has sought a ceasefire arrangement that includes an end to hostilities in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets.Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had earlier called for stronger military action against Beirut’s southern suburbs.Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that the strikes could jeopardize the final stage of negotiations, saying they raised questions about Washington’s ability or willingness to uphold commitments. Deal could be signed within daysQatari mediators reportedly traveled to Tehran on Sunday as diplomatic efforts intensified.US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have both said a deal could be finalized soon, although Iranian officials have suggested a signing may take place in the coming days rather than immediately.According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the proposed agreement would establish a 60-day framework for technical discussions on issues including Iran’s nuclear program, frozen assets and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.The negotiations follow a conflict that began on Feb. 28 after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to months of regional hostilities.JERUSALEM — Israel launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday.Smoke was seen rising over the Lebanese capital after the strikes, which came a week after a similar attack triggered the most serious escalation between Israel and Iran-backed forces since a fragile ceasefire took effect in April.The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were carried out in response to Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel.The Israeli military said earlier that Hezbollah had launched three projectiles toward military positions in northern Israel. Strike raises concerns over negotiationsThe attack came as mediators worked to finalize an agreement between the United States and Iran following months of negotiations led by Pakistan and supported by regional partners.Iran has sought a ceasefire arrangement that includes an end to hostilities in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets.Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had earlier called for stronger military action against Beirut’s southern suburbs.Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that the strikes could jeopardize the final stage of negotiations, saying they raised questions about Washington’s ability or willingness to uphold commitments. Deal could be signed within daysQatari mediators reportedly traveled to Tehran on Sunday as diplomatic efforts intensified.US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have both said a deal could be finalized soon, although Iranian officials have suggested a signing may take place in the coming days rather than immediately.According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the proposed agreement would establish a 60-day framework for technical discussions on issues including Iran’s nuclear program, frozen assets and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.The negotiations follow a conflict that began on Feb. 28 after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to months of regional hostilities.
Israel strikes Beirut suburbs as US-Iran deal talks near finish line
