Israeli Strikes in Lebanon; Hezbollah Issues Threats; US-Iran Talks Stalled

Israeli military forces carried out strikes on alleged Hezbollah infrastructure in southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday, according to military statements. The strikes targeted sites in the Bekaa Valley and other southern areas. Separately, a Hezbollah drone detonated near Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, causing no injuries.

Hezbollah stated it plans to increase the use of suicide bomber groups in operations against Israeli positions in southern Lebanon. An unnamed military leader told Al Jazeera Arabic that the group would return to 1980s tactics, deploying large groups of suicide bombers in occupied Lebanese territory.

This comes as reciprocal exchanges of fire and ground operations continue despite a ceasefire announcement last week.

Conflicts in Lebanon Smoke was observed rising from areas in southern Lebanon where Israeli forces destroyed homes near the border, as seen from northern Israel. Photographs showed plumes of smoke and Israeli soldiers patrolling among ruins in southern Lebanon. A displaced resident from the village of Shaqra described returning home briefly after the ceasefire but leaving again due to renewed airstrikes and family panic.

Officials emphasized that Israel would not carry out offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, quoting a US State Department position. It accused certain groups within Lebanon of lacking authority for statements counter to this position.

US President Donald Trump canceled a planned envoy visit amid steadfast demands from both sides over Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that Iran could call if they wanted to talk. The US Central Command affirmed that US forces remain focused and ready across the Middle East.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains subdued, with only about seven ships transiting in the past 24 hours, far below the pre-war average of 140 daily passages. An official announced that the army would be responsible for the Strait of Hormuz under a proposed law, prohibiting passage of hostile vessels and outlining profits in Iranian rial.

Officials reported attacks on medical facilities during US and Israeli strikes, damaging hospitals and emergency centers.

Developments Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, expressing hope that the Iranian people would weather the difficult period and that peace would prevail. Putin stated Russia would do everything in the interests of Iran and the region. The Kremlin denied sending weapons to Iran but acknowledged a comprehensive strategic partnership including security and defense.

“Russia hopes the Iranian people will weather what he described as a ‘difficult period’ and that peace will prevail.”

Officials commented that the US lacks an exit strategy in the war with Iran, noting that Iranians are negotiating skillfully. Bahrain stripped citizenship from 69 people for expressing sympathy for Iran's actions in the war, including family members.

the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces detained several Palestinians during raids in al-Ram and Qalandiya refugee camp, and forced a man to uproot trees for security reasons. A Palestinian teenager was killed by Israeli army fire in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya area.

UK retail sales fell sharply in April, dropping to -68 on the Confederation of British Industry's measure, the lowest since 1983, due to inflation fears from the Iran war. Expectations for May are also gloomy at -60. An associate professor at the University of Tehran highlighted extensive military cooperation between Iran and Russia, noting Iran's hope for Russian help with air defense systems and political support at the UN Security Council.

A managing director at a Washington-based consultancy stated that Russia benefits economically from the conflict continuing, while Iran needs it to stop, leading to misaligned incentives. He added that Iran seeks Russian munitions, defense systems, and diplomatic cover.