Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said the United States “will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon,” adding that Washington had “strong support” for its position. He announced what he described as a strengthened naval blockade, referred to as the “Steel Wall.”

Trump said the United States would “seize more Iranian oil tankers,” adding that “no one can break through the naval blockade” imposed on Iran and that additional Iranian vessels “will be intercepted unless Tehran shows real commitment and changes its behaviour.”

Addressing lawmakers at the White House, Trump also said the United States would “end the war very quickly” with Iran, reiterating that Tehran would not be permitted to possess nuclear weapons.

Iran’s foreign ministry, however, said Tehran was currently focused on “ending the war on all fronts, especially Lebanon,” while insisting it continued negotiations “in good faith.” The ministry said Washington must demonstrate seriousness in any diplomatic process.

The ministry described the US naval measures as “a violation of the ceasefire and contrary to international law,” dismissing discussions of ultimatums or deadlines imposed on Iran as “ridiculous.”

It added that coastal states have the right to prevent “aggressor states” from crossing the Strait of Hormuz and called for mechanisms regulating passage through the strategic waterway to ensure maritime security and environmental protection. Tehran also demanded the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to what it described as “maritime piracy against Iranian shipping.”

In a further escalation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any renewed attack on Iran would not remain confined within its borders. In a statement carried by Tasnim news agency, the Guards said the “American-Zionist enemy” had failed to learn from repeated strategic defeats, adding that Iran had “not yet used all of its capabilities” despite confronting the United States and Israel.

Iranian state television later reported that five large oil tankers had received authorisation from the Revolutionary Guards to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting continued tensions surrounding one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.

Elsewhere in the region, Jordan’s military said it had shot down an unidentified drone that entered the country’s airspace over Jerash province on Wednesday morning, adding that there were no casualties and only minor material damage.

In the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates called on Iraq to prevent “any hostile acts” launched from its territory following a recent drone attack targeting the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Baghdad to take immediate and unconditional action to prevent “all hostile acts originating from its territory” and address the threats responsibly in accordance with international law.

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In a statement, Egypt’s Ministry of Health said Abdel Ghaffar met with Robert Lucien to discuss cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine and drug production, and biotechnology.

The talks also covered capacity building for healthcare personnel through training and professional education, in addition to cooperation on disease prevention, epidemic surveillance, and emergency health response mechanisms.

The two sides further explored opportunities to exchange expertise in digital health systems and healthcare data management as part of broader African cooperation efforts in the health sector.

In a separate meeting, Abdel Ghaffar discussed bilateral cooperation with Rakan Nassereldine in areas including hospital management, medical training, and combating communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The Egyptian minister reaffirmed Cairo’s support for Lebanon in addressing ongoing health and humanitarian challenges and stressed Egypt’s readiness to provide medical and technical assistance in line with Lebanon’s needs.

According to the ministry, both sides agreed to organise a visit for a Lebanese health delegation to Egypt to review the country’s universal health insurance system and exchange technical and administrative expertise.

The meeting also reviewed Egypt’s previous support for Lebanon, including shipments of medicines, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid following recent crises, notably the Beirut port explosion.

The statement added that discussions covered the outcomes of an emergency meeting of Arab health ministers held in March 2026, which approved urgent support worth $200,000 for Lebanon’s health sector.

Both sides stressed the importance of continued coordination to strengthen regional health security and improve preparedness for emergencies and crises.

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The remarks came during talks held in New Borg El Arab on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new campus of Senghor University, the academic institution affiliated with the International Organisation of La Francophonie and specialised in training African professionals and leaders.

According to the Egyptian presidency, Al-Sisi welcomed Macron upon his arrival at the university’s new headquarters before the two leaders held expanded discussions attended by senior officials from both countries. The talks focused on bilateral relations, regional developments, and ways to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

The presidency said Al-Sisi described Macron’s visit as reflecting the strength of Egyptian-French ties, particularly following the elevation of relations to the level of a “strategic partnership” during the French president’s visit to Egypt in April 2025.

Al-Sisi stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation in trade, investment, education, industry, and transport in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries and further strengthens relations between Egypt and the European Union.

For his part, Macron expressed his pleasure at returning to Egypt and congratulated Al-Sisi on the inauguration of the new Senghor University campus, describing the project as “a remarkable global initiative” that enhances scientific and cultural cooperation across the Francophone world.

The French president praised Egypt’s commitment to investing €60m in the university and said that La Francophonie “belongs to everyone who chooses to embrace the French language.”

Macron described the Francophone community as a key driver of Africa’s development and highlighted France’s educational presence in Egypt, noting that approximately 60 French schools currently operate across the country.

He also stressed the importance of rebuilding unity among nations and giving future generations the opportunity to reconnect the Mediterranean region amid mounting geopolitical challenges.

“The alliance between Egypt and France is an alliance for peace and stability,” Macron said, adding that the increasing complexity of global challenges requires closer international cooperation.

Al-Sisi, meanwhile, said Africa’s future depends on empowering youth and preparing qualified professionals capable of addressing development challenges. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Senghor University and providing scholarships for African students.

The Egyptian president described the university as “a key pillar” in helping African countries formulate effective national policies and praised France’s role in supporting the Francophone world and advancing African capacity-building efforts.

Regional developments also featured prominently during the talks. Al-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts to contain ongoing tensions in the Middle East and prevent further escalation, warning of the impact of instability on regional and global security, including disruptions to trade, transportation, and supply chains.

He reiterated Egypt’s support for the sovereignty, security, and stability of Arab states, while rejecting any infringement on their territorial integrity or national resources. Macron, in turn, praised Egypt’s role in regional de-escalation initiatives.

The two leaders also discussed the war in Gaza, with Al-Sisi outlining Egypt’s efforts to consolidate the ceasefire agreement, advance the second phase of the deal, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave, and support reconstruction efforts.

The Egyptian president also expressed concern over escalating violations in the occupied West Bank and reiterated that the only viable path to peace remains a political process based on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Al-Sisi praised France’s support for the Palestinian cause, while Macron expressed hope for a swift resolution to the crisis and the restoration of stability across the region.

The discussions additionally covered developments in Lebanon, with both leaders stressing the importance of preserving peace and stability and strengthening cooperation among Mediterranean countries to support shared development and prosperity.

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Fatal Triple Drone Strike

The Lebanese Health Ministry provided details of the incident, stating that the victims were a Syrian man and his daughter. After the initial strike, the pair managed to move away from the point of impact, but the drone re-targeted them a second time, killing the father instantly.

The 12-year-old girl then fled approximately 100 metres before the drone conducted a third, direct strike on her. She was transported to the Nabih Berri Governmental Hospital in Nabatieh with severe injuries and underwent surgery, but later succumbed to her wounds.

The ministry’s statement condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric targeting and deliberate violence against civilians and children in Lebanon in an open series of serious violations of international humanitarian law.”

Widespread Strikes and Direct Peace Talks

The fatality occurred amidst a broader intensification of military activity in the region, which coincided with significant diplomatic announcements.

On Friday, the US State Department announced that a new round of intensive talks between Lebanon and Israel is scheduled for May 14 and 15, hosted under United States auspices. Building on an April 23 round convened by US President Donald Trump, these negotiations aim to establish a framework for lasting peace, secure the full restoration of Lebanese sovereignty over its territory, and address Israel’s core security concerns, the US statement said.

The US emphasised that comprehensive peace remains contingent on the complete disarmament of Hezbollah, which it designates as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Lebanese sources indicated these will be the first “direct” negotiations following preparatory meetings held after a recent ceasefire announcement. Lebanon’s delegation, which includes current and former ambassadors Nada Hamadeh Mouawad and Simon Karam alongside a military representative, plans to address five key points: a definitive ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, release of prisoners, the return of displaced citizens, and deployment of the Lebanese Army.

Continued Escalation and Casualties

Despite the diplomatic track, the situation on the ground remained volatile. Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli military intensified airstrikes and issued evacuation warnings for towns in the Nabatieh and Tyre districts. A separate strike targeted a car near the Muhammad Saad Secondary School between Burj Rahal and Abbasiya in the Tyre district, resulting in three fatalities.

Additional Israeli strikes hit a motorcycle in Haris in the Bint Jbeil district, as well as locations in Zrarieh (following an evacuation warning), Maaroub, Barish, Tayr Debba, and a home in Burj Rahal. An Israeli drone also struck the town of Mansouri. In Nabatieh, missiles targeted the university neighbourhood, while an Israeli Apache helicopter conducted a machine-gun sweep over the outskirts of Deir Siriane.

In a statement, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said it had targeted a gathering of Israeli army vehicles in the town of Rachaf with artillery shells.

Heightened Security in Russia Amid Drone Attacks and Surprise Ceasefire

While the conflict intensified in the Middle East, parallel security concerns dominated the Victory Day commemorations in Russia. US President Donald Trump, who convened the upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks, unexpectedly announced on Friday evening a ceasefire for the Ukraine conflict to last from May 9 to 11.

Prior to Trump’s announcement, mutual truce proposals had collapsed. Putin had previously announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 8 to 9, which the Russian Defence Ministry stated it expected Ukraine to observe. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy proposed a ceasefire beginning May 5 or 6, offering an extension if Russia halted its combat operations.

This year’s commemorations in Moscow were conducted under heightened security measures following a dramatic increase in Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russia. Russian officials reported a widespread drone offensive on Friday spanning from the south to the Ural Mountains, approximately 1,700 kilometres from the border.

In a rare attack on Moscow, a drone hit a luxury residential building about 6 kilometres from the Kremlin. Another strike in Rostov-on-Don damaged the administrative building at the air traffic control centre, halting operations at airports in 13 southern cities and affecting at least 14,000 passengers.

Russia had warned that it would target central Kyiv if any attempts were made to disrupt the Victory Day events.

Scaled-Back Victory Day Parade

As a consequence of the security situation, the May 9 Red Square parade was notably scaled back. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed last week that the event would proceed without heavy military equipment for the first time since 2007. Students from military colleges and youth institutions did not participate, although the traditional air show was maintained.

In his address to mark the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, Putin said, “fighters of the special military operation” are battling “aggression backed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)”. He stated that Russia is developing modern weapons based on its combat experience and that the country’s fate “is determined by the people”.

Several major Russian cities, including Perm, reduced their celebrations or cancelled them entirely this year. To enforce security, Russian authorities suspended mobile and occasionally fixed internet services in a number of cities, with Moscow experiencing intermittent mobile internet outages since May 5. This led state-controlled Sberbank to advise customers to use ATMs and physical branches.

Following the parade, Putin was expected to meet with several international leaders, including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, and leaders from Central Asian nations.

The cessation of hostilities announced by the US President went into effect on May 9.

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Institutions in Washington rely heavily on the studies and projections produced by these centres, treating them as early indicators of global shifts and barometers of public sentiment, both within the United States and internationally. Within this ecosystem, the Middle East remains a top priority, given its complex interplay of security concerns, energy dynamics, economic pressures, and protracted geopolitical tensions.

This prominence was reflected in the agenda of the “DoorKnock Mission” to Washington, D.C. organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, which included extensive engagements with leading think tanks to foster direct dialogue with Washington’s policy and research community.

The Economy at the Core: Conflict with Global Spillovers

During the delegation’s meetings in Washington, senior researchers from the Atlantic Council, the Middle East Institute, and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy outlined the wide-ranging consequences of ongoing regional tensions.

They stressed that any military escalation, particularly those linked to Iran or flashpoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, would have immediate and far-reaching global economic repercussions. Disruptions to energy supplies would likely drive up oil and gas prices, increase transportation and insurance costs, and ultimately feed into higher prices for goods and services worldwide.

Such shocks, they noted, tend to trigger inflationary pressures that extend well beyond the region. Moreover, the economic fallout often outlasts the conflict itself, as global markets require extended periods to stabilise, depending on the resilience and adaptability of individual economies.

Egypt: Between Pressures and Opportunity

Experts noted that Egypt has already felt the impact of regional instability, particularly through declining traffic in the Suez Canal, which has weighed on foreign currency revenues.

However, they also highlighted the country’s structural strengths, including relative political stability, ongoing economic reforms, and sustained investment in infrastructure. These factors, they argued, enhance Egypt’s capacity to absorb external shocks.

At the same time, shifts in global supply chains—accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and compounded by geopolitical tensions—are prompting multinational companies to reassess their production and investment strategies. This realignment presents an opportunity for countries like Egypt to position themselves as alternative hubs in the global distribution of manufacturing and logistics.

In this context, economic zones—particularly the Suez Canal Economic Zone—are gaining prominence as focal points for investment in industry, logistics, energy, and export-oriented services.

Robert Satloff: A Region of Overlapping Scenarios

Robert Satloff, Executive Director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, argued that the Middle East cannot be understood through a single trajectory. Instead, it must be viewed as a set of overlapping and evolving scenarios shaped by competing actors and shifting dynamics.

He observed that key players, including the United States, Israel, Iran, and various resistance movements, continue to frame the conflict in terms of victory and defeat rather than compromise. This mindset, he said, widens the gap between political rhetoric and diplomatic reality.

As a result, prospects for sustainable political settlements remain limited, particularly as some actors pursue maximalist objectives that may extend to the elimination of their adversaries. This dynamic contributes to a broader diplomatic paralysis, where escalation often takes precedence over negotiation.

Interlinked Crises: Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon

On Iran, Satloff pointed to the fragmented nature of the country’s political system, where multiple centres of power complicate the prospects for decisive strategic shifts.

In Gaza, he noted that Israel’s stated objective of ending Hamas’s rule remains highly contentious, with ongoing debate over both its feasibility and potential costs.

Lebanon, meanwhile, presents a different but equally complex picture, with efforts underway to rebalance the role of Hezbollah within state institutions, though without clear assurances of swift or lasting outcomes.

US Policy: Strategy Beyond Slogans

Satloff also addressed the nature of US policymaking, noting that political slogans such as “America First” do not fully capture the underlying strategic calculus in practice, he said, policy decisions continue to be shaped by a careful balancing of economic priorities and geopolitical interests.

Within this framework, there is growing recognition in Washington of the importance of partnerships with countries such as Egypt, particularly in areas such as investment, technology transfer, and capacity building.

A Region in Flux

The discussions concluded that the Middle East is undergoing a prolonged and incomplete phase of reconfiguration, in which security, economic, and political dynamics are deeply intertwined.

In the absence of a cohesive regional framework, and amid an increasingly fragmented decision-making landscape, the region remains open to multiple trajectories, with no clear long-term settlement in sight.

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In a concurrent blow to stability in the region, a French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed and three others were wounded in a separate ambush by suspected Hezbollah militants in the southern town of Ghandouriyeh.

The Israeli military stated that its forces spotted Hezbollah elements south of the designated “Yellow Line” who had approached troops from the north in a manner that posed an “immediate threat.” The military said its air force and ground troops, supported by artillery fire, targeted the individuals across several areas in southern Lebanon to “remove the threat.”

According to the US network CNN, citing Israeli military officials, Israel intends to apply the “Yellow Line” model—a tactic previously utilised in the Gaza Strip—to southern Lebanon. The military has established a boundary within which it currently operates, and Lebanese residents will not be permitted to return to 55 villages located inside this zone.

The Israeli military asserted it is operating “according to political echelon directives” and is authorised to take necessary self-defence measures while safeguarding its deployed forces. It maintained that these actions are not restricted by the ceasefire agreement. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Friday that the military “will continue to control all areas it controls,” even as some Lebanese residents had begun returning to their homes in the south.

The fatal attack on the UNIFIL patrol occurred as peacekeepers were undertaking an ordnance clearance mission. UNIFIL reported that the patrol came under small arms fire from non-state actors suspected to be affiliated with Hezbollah. French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin stated the soldier was caught in an ambush at “very close range.” Two of the wounded soldiers are in serious condition, and the Lebanese army noted that the patrol exchanged fire with the armed men.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun offered his condolences to French President Emmanuel Macron, strongly condemning the targeting of the French force and praising the sacrifices of international troops. Aoun affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to protecting UNIFIL and announced he had directed competent agencies to conduct an immediate investigation, stressing that Lebanon “will not be lenient in pursuing those involved and bringing them to justice.”

Macron called the attack “unacceptable” and, in calls with Aoun and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, demanded the perpetrators be identified and prosecuted without delay. Salam confirmed he had issued strict instructions for an immediate investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The military developments on the ground contrast sharply with statements from Washington, highlighting a growing gap between US and Israeli leadership. US President Donald Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that Israel is “banned” from continuing its bombardment of Lebanon.

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Trump’s post surprised the Israeli military and contradicts instructions issued to forces on the ground. Israeli military officials assert that withdrawing from the currently controlled area inside the Lebanese border is “not possible at this stage,” and troops remain authorised to continue destroying Hezbollah infrastructure during the ceasefire.

The initial 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on 16 April at 5:00 p.m. EST (midnight local time). The pause is intended to facilitate serious negotiations for a permanent agreement, with the possibility of extension if tangible progress is made.

Under the agreement, Israel retains the right to self-defence at any time against imminent or ongoing attacks without violating the ceasefire, while committing to refrain from offensive military operations inside Lebanon. The Lebanese government is obligated to take “concrete steps” to prevent Hezbollah and other irregular armed groups from launching attacks against Israel. All parties acknowledge that Lebanese security forces hold exclusive responsibility for defending the country’s sovereignty.

The US is tasked with facilitating further direct negotiations to address outstanding issues, including the demarcation of international land borders, to reach a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.

Despite the diplomatic framework, earlier reports indicated the Israeli military seeks to establish a depopulated buffer zone inside Lebanese territory. Experts analysing satellite imagery and mapping data have highlighted extensive destruction surrounding approximately 11 villages near the Israeli border, including Ramyah, Ayta ash Shab, Blida, and Muhaibib, noting that existing geographic features are already being primed for the creation of this buffer zone.

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Tehran reiterated that it is not engaged in direct negotiations with Washington, stating that it has only received messages through intermediaries indicating U.S. interest in talks. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said U.S. rhetoric on diplomacy “should be treated with caution,” citing what he described as inconsistent positions from Washington, while maintaining that Iran’s stance has remained clear. He added that proposals relayed via intermediaries were “excessive and unreasonable.”

In remarks reported by Reuters, Donald Trump warned that the United States could target key Iranian infrastructure—including power stations, oil facilities, and Kharg Island—if no agreement is reached. He also indicated that Washington was engaged in “serious discussions” aimed at ending its military operations in Iran. Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. officials are considering a potential operation to secure enriched uranium from Iran, a move that could involve a sustained military presence on Iranian territory.

Iranian officials responded with intensified rhetoric. Esmail Qaani said the region was entering a “new order,” warning that coordinated actions by allied groups across the region have reshaped the strategic balance.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya wartime headquarters, said Tehran would not initiate conflict but would determine its outcome in the event of aggression. He added that U.S. forces and bases in the region, along with Israeli infrastructure, remain within Iran’s potential target scope.

On the ground, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced a new wave of operations under what it described as “Operation True Promise 4,” targeting military and strategic sites linked to U.S. and Israeli forces across multiple locations. The Iranian army also reported drone strikes on defence-related facilities in Israel, including sites associated with Elbit Systems.

In Israel, local media reported damage to petrochemical facilities in Haifa Bay following missile fire from Iran and Lebanon.

The spillover effects of the conflict have extended across neighbouring countries. Jordan’s military said it intercepted several missiles and a drone over its territory within 24 hours, while emergency services responded to falling debris that caused minor injuries.

In the Gulf, Qatar condemned what it described as Iranian strikes targeting infrastructure in Kuwait, including a camp, a power station, and a desalination facility. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting multiple drones, while Kuwait’s National Guard said it had downed several unmanned aerial vehicles near protected sites.

Turkey also confirmed heightened defence activity, with its defence ministry stating that a ballistic missile entering its airspace had been intercepted through NATO systems in the eastern Mediterranean. Ankara said it remains on high alert against any threats to its territory. Iran, however, denied launching missiles toward Turkey.

On the nuclear front, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran’s Khondab heavy water complex had ceased operations after sustaining significant damage in recent Israeli air strikes. The site—linked to the Arak heavy water reactor—was described as non-operational, though it reportedly did not contain declared nuclear material at the time.

At the United Nations, Iran’s permanent representative Saeed Iravani submitted a formal complaint to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, accusing the United States and Israel of targeting civilian industrial infrastructure, including major steel facilities. Tehran called for international condemnation and accountability, arguing that the strikes violated international law.

Overall, the rapid escalation underscores the growing risk of a broader regional conflict, as diplomatic channels remain uncertain and military actions continue to expand across multiple theatres.

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The call came during a four-way ministerial meeting held in Islamabad, attended by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Hakan Fidan, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Egypt’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Tamim Khallaf, said the ministers reviewed rapid developments and the risks posed by ongoing military escalation, stressing the need for coordinated international efforts to ease tensions and prevent further deterioration.

The discussions also addressed the broader economic implications of the crisis, including its impact on international shipping, supply chains, food security, and energy markets, particularly amid rising oil prices.

Abdelatty underscored the importance of intensifying both regional and international efforts to contain the situation, emphasising that diplomacy remains the only viable path to de-escalation and conflict resolution.

The ministers agreed to maintain close coordination and ongoing consultations to support de-escalation efforts and prevent the conflict from widening.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Abdelatty held bilateral talks with Ishaq Dar to discuss strengthening ties between Egypt and Pakistan, particularly in trade and investment, against a backdrop of global supply chain disruptions and volatile energy markets.

He highlighted the importance of enhancing trade flows and linking logistical and industrial hubs, including potential cooperation between Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone and Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.

Abdelatty also met separately with Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, with both sides reaffirming strong strategic ties and stressing the importance of diplomatic solutions to avoid broader regional instability.

He reiterated Egypt’s full support for Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, condemning attacks targeting their security and stability.

On the Palestinian issue, both ministers stressed the need to advance efforts towards a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and to halt Israeli violations in the West Bank.

They also discussed developments in Lebanon, emphasising support for state institutions, as well as the country’s sovereignty and stability.

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The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a Monday statement that it condemned the escalation of the Israeli “aggression on Lebanon” in the strongest terms, citing the destruction of bridges linking various regions as a grave breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. Cairo stated that the intentional destruction of infrastructure has led to the forced displacement of approximately 1m Lebanese people and the emptying of entire areas of their residents.

The ministry reaffirmed Egypt’s “firm and supportive position on the unity of the Lebanese state, its sovereignty, and the safety of its territories,” expressing full solidarity with its institutions. It called for the “full commitment to implementing Security Council Resolution 1701, in all its clauses and elements without selectivity,” to ensure that state institutions, primarily the Lebanese Army, can exercise their responsibilities and “place weapons under its exclusive authority.”

The statement further condemned the use of the humanitarian crisis and civilian suffering as a “tool for military and political pressure.” It called for immediate action from the international community and the Security Council to “deter these unrestrained Israeli practices” and prevent Lebanon from sliding into further instability.

The diplomatic condemnation follows instructions issued on Sunday by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who ordered the military to accelerate the demolition of Lebanese homes in “front-line villages.” Katz claimed the move aimed to eliminate threats according to the “model of Beit Hanoun and Rafah,” referring to the destruction of towns in the Gaza Strip. Katz added that, in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, military forces were directed to immediately destroy all bridges over the Litani River, alleging they are used for “terrorist activities.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the targeting of the Litani bridges on Sunday, describing the strikes as a “prelude to a ground invasion” and an “attempt to cut geographical connectivity” with the rest of Lebanese territory. Aoun stated that the destruction of the Qasmieh bridge on the Litani River represented a dangerous escalation that Lebanon has long warned of through diplomatic channels.

The strikes have continued into Monday, with an Israeli air raid destroying the bridge in the southern town of Qa’qa’iyat al-Jisr. The National News Agency reported that the strike severed a primary link between the southern city of Nabatieh and the Wadi al-Hujair area. This follows Sunday’s strike on the Qasmieh bridge near the coastal city of Tyre.

President Aoun said these actions reflect a “dangerous tendency toward systematic destruction” and that the targeting of residential areas and civilian facilities “amounts to a policy of collective punishment against civilians.” He emphasised that the actions explicitly violate international humanitarian law, which prohibits the targeting of civilians and essential facilities.

Aoun further noted that destroying bridges “obstructs the arrival of humanitarian aid” and falls within “suspicious plans to establish a buffer zone and entrench the reality of occupation.” He called on the United Nations and Security Council members to assume their responsibilities, warning that “continued silence or inaction encourages further violations” and undermines the credibility of the international community.

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The Israeli military said northern Israel came under renewed missile attacks from Iran, with warning sirens sounding along the border with Lebanon and in the Golan Heights. Israeli media reported that around 10 missiles were launched toward northern Israel, with some intercepted by the country’s air defence systems while others fell in open areas. No injuries were immediately reported.

Israel’s Home Front Command later said sirens also sounded in the greater Tel Aviv area following an Iranian missile attack. The newspaper Israel Hayom reported that emergency crews were dispatched to several locations where missile fragments fell, though no casualties had been confirmed.

Channel 12 reported a direct hit by an Iranian missile in central Israel, while other Israeli media outlets said loud explosions were heard across the greater Tel Aviv area.

The Ynet news website reported that the building housing the U.S. consul in Jerusalem was struck by missile shrapnel. Meanwhile, the municipality of the northern border settlement of Shlomi announced the evacuation of about 70 residents because shelters capable of protecting them from potential missile attacks were unavailable.

Iran’s military said it carried out drone strikes against Israel, stating that one of the attacks targeted a police unit. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also announced the launch of the 53rd wave of what it called Operation “True Promise 4”.

In a statement, the Guards said the operation included the launch of a combined salvo of 10 missiles, including Fattah hypersonic missile and Qadr missile systems, along with suicide drones.

The statement said the strikes targeted U.S. forces at Al Dhafra Air Base, which Iran claimed provides intelligence support for attacks against the country, as well as regional command centres and Israeli Home Front Command facilities.

Iranian state television later reported that the 54th wave of the operation had been launched, including the use of the Sejjil ballistic missile for the first time since the conflict began.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said its air defence forces intercepted several drones. The Saudi Ministry of Defense said four drones were destroyed over the Riyadh region, according to a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

Saudi Arabia had earlier announced intercepting 14 drones over Riyadh and the country’s eastern region, where many major oil facilities are located. Iran denied launching the drones Saudi authorities said they had intercepted.

In Bahrain, the Bahrain Defence Force said its air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed 211 drones and 125 missiles since what it described as Iranian attacks began.

The Bahraini military said the use of ballistic missiles and drones targeting civilian sites and private property constituted a serious violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter, posing a direct threat to regional peace and security.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Iran was ready to sit with countries in the region and form a joint investigation committee to determine the nature of the targets that had been attacked and whether they were American sites.

He said Iran’s strikes were targeting U.S. bases and interests in the region in response to attacks launched against Iran from those bases.

In Iraq, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Baghdad rejected any targeting of headquarters belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces or Iraqi security forces and warned against actions that could drag Iraq into the conflict.

Sudani said continued fighting in the region could fuel instability, increase extremism and disrupt global supply chains.

A senior Iranian commander from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said Iran’s armed forces now held the strategic initiative, adding that Tehran could use what he described as its geopolitical capabilities, including managing transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

As tensions mount, several countries have begun evacuating their citizens from the region. South Korea said a military aircraft evacuated 204 nationals from Saudi Arabia in the first such military evacuation since the conflict began.

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers said the government had assisted 1,315 overseas Filipino workers and their family members affected by the crisis in the Middle East and repatriated them between March 5-14.

Separately, the United Arab Emirates said its public prosecutor ordered the arrest of 25 suspects of various nationalities and referred them to an expedited trial for publishing misleading digital content that could harm defence measures or praise acts of military aggression against the country.

The state news agency Emirates News Agency said authorities had been monitoring misleading information and fabricated digital content circulated online intended to create confusion and undermine public security.

CNN quoted an Israeli military spokesman as saying Israel planned to continue its campaign against Iran for at least three more weeks, adding that the military had thousands of potential targets and was prepared to carry out operations in coordination with the United States.

The widening exchange of attacks has heightened concerns that the confrontation could expand into a broader regional conflict with potential consequences for energy security, global trade routes and international supply chains.

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