US-Iran Tensions and Lebanon-Israel Developments

Human Rights Watch called for an investigation into the death of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil, who was killed in an Israeli attack on Wednesday. Ramzi Kaiss, HRW's Lebanon researcher, stated that journalists are protected as civilians under international law and should not be targeted.

He referenced the 2023 killing of journalist Issam Abdullah, noting a lack of accountability. Independent Lebanese MP Najat Aoun Saliba said the killing occurred on the eve of Lebanon-Israel talks in the US and undermines the negotiation process.

President Trump stated that the US has control over the Strait of Hormuz and that the blockade will continue during the extended ceasefire. He said US vessels are ordered to fire at any gunboats encountered and claimed Iran is using small fast attack boats.

The White House described the ceasefire as open-ended, depending on the president's decision. Iranian analyst Ali Akbar Dareini said Iran would return to negotiations if the US lifts the naval blockade and commits to diplomacy. He dismissed suggestions of fractures in Iran's leadership and described recent ship seizures as mutual responses.

Reporting from Tehran indicated a tit-for-tat situation, with Iranian officials prepared to defend against aggression. UK Defence Minister John Healey and French counterpart Catherine Vautrin expressed confidence in making progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz following a meeting with military planners.

They issued a joint statement noting the need for planning and commitments from allied nations.

French President Emmanuel Macron proposed hosting a conference to support Lebanon's army and rebuild the southern region. Both leaders support a European Union partnership agreement with Lebanon. The Israeli army published a map of a restricted area in southern Lebanon, warning that anyone approaching risks being targeted.

The area extends into the Mediterranean Sea, including the Qana gas field under Lebanese control since 2022. Reports noted ongoing demolitions of villages and towns in the region. Hezbollah reported shooting down an Israeli drone in Majdal Zoun and targeting Israeli soldiers in Taybeh.

The death toll from Israel's military operations in Gaza has reached 71,568 Palestinians, with 172,338 wounded since October 2023, according to Wafa news agency. Since an October ceasefire, 791 people have been killed and 2,235 wounded. Rescue teams have recovered 761 bodies from destroyed buildings.

Under the War Powers Resolution, President Trump can deploy troops for 60 days without congressional authorization, with that period ending in one week. Republicans in Congress have supported the actions against Iran. Reports noted slipping support for the war, impacts on approval ratings, and a military request for an additional $200 billion amid higher living costs and petrol prices.