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Israel intensifies attacks in Lebanon as Iran talks stall

Israel intensifies attacks in Lebanon as Iran talks stall
MENA
10 min read
26 May, 2026
As top Iranian negotiators are in Qatar to discuss aspects of a potential deal, US forces say they launched strikes on sites in southern Iran.

For those just joining us, here are the latest updates:

  • Israel has launched new ground operations in Lebanon outside of the so-called 'yellow line', the area which Israel currently occupies; strikes have also been launched across Lebanon's south and in the Bekaa, as part of the escalation.
  • Lebanon's Health Ministry said on Monday that Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,185 people and wounded 9,633 since 2 March.
  • Iran's lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has returned from Qatar to Iran following Qatari mediation to push through a deal with the US.
  • United States forces attacked missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran, in what a US military spokesman described as "self-defence" strikes.
  • US President Donald Trump declared that an agreement with Iran to end the war should involve regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, signing onto the Abraham Accords to normalise relations with Israel

And so our live coverage continues...

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The New Arab Staff & Agencies