US-Israel, Iran war: Key highlights on May 31
- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is prepared to resume military strikes against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail to produce an agreement.
- Iran has reasserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, issuing a warning that mercantile and naval vessels must strictly adhere to shipping protocols in the corridor or face potential repercussions.
- US President Donald Trump announced that he would be making a “final determination” on a potential peace deal with Iran. Even long after the 2-hour Situation Room meeting, the White House refrained from sharing any positive developments.
- Lebanon’s Prime Minister accused Israel of pursuing a “scorched-earth policy” in the country’s south by “destroying towns and villages, and forcing their inhabitants into exile,” urging for the fighting to be halted amid fresh airstrikes.
- In response to Trump’s repeated warnings, Baghaei told TV, “Tehran has said goodbye to the language of ‘must’ 47 years ago… We make our own decisions based on the interests and rights of the Iranian nation.” He also insisted that while both the US and Iran were exchanging messages, an “understanding has not been finalised.”
- The US military said it “disabled” a Gambia-flagged ship trying to sail towards an Iranian port, as Iran accuses the US of betraying diplomacy.
- In a new interview with his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, the POTUS said he was in no hurry to make a peace deal. He even asserted that the US was willing to use force if things don’t work out as planned.
- As the Iran war continues to take a toll on global oil supplies, India has decided to cut its export duty on petrol diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) starting June 1.
- Pakistani Foreign Minister and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 29 following top Pakistan officials’ recent visit to Iran. The country continues to play mediator between Washington and Tehran.
- Amid hopes of the Strait of Hormuz’s reopening, Brent oil price posted biggest monthly loss in six years. The international oil benchmark fell over 19% in May, its worst month since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic closed economies.
- In a joint statement issued this week, the leaders of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Energy Agency said there could be “increasing risks for fuel security, market conditions, and broader economic resilience” if shipping flow through the Strait of Hormuz don’t return to normal.
Netanyahu appoints Shmuel Ben Ezra as Israel’s national security adviser
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Shmuel Ben Ezra as the head of Israel’s National Security Council. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office highlighted Ben Ezra’s extensive career within Israel’s security establishment. His experience includes involvement in the development of the Arrow 3 missile defence programme and service as head of the Technology, Operations and Cyber Division at Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency.
UN Security Council to hold emergency Lebanon meeting on Monday
The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the escalating situation in Lebanon, diplomatic sources told AFP. The session comes amid a sharp expansion of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, including the capture of the strategic Beaufort Castle and calls by Israeli leaders to deepen and broaden operations against Hezbollah.
Israeli helicopter strike at Gaza fishermen’s harbour kills one, wounds several: Report
An Israeli Apache helicopter strike on the fishermen’s harbour west of Gaza City killed at least one Palestinian and wounded several others, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The report said the attack targeted a group of Palestinians gathered inside the harbour area during the evening. Medical officials cited by Wafa said one body and several injured people were transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital following the strike.
Hezbollah drone injures at least four in northern Israel, reports say
At least four people were injured after a Hezbollah drone struck the area of Beit Hillel in northern Israel, according to reports from Israeli broadcaster N12. The report said the injuries ranged from mild to moderate. A fire also broke out in an open area following the drone impact, with emergency and rescue teams deployed to the scene.
Iran reopens most missile-base tunnel entrances blocked by US-Israeli strikes: CNN analysis
Iran has reopened 50 of the 69 tunnel entrances that were blocked during US and Israeli strikes on underground missile facilities, according to a CNN analysis of satellite imagery reviewed across 18 missile bases. The report said Iranian crews used heavy machinery, including bulldozers, excavators and dump trucks, to clear debris, reopen access points and repair roads leading to underground complexes. Satellite images showed restoration work underway at multiple missile facilities, with several tunnel entrances already fully accessible again.
Lebanon says death toll from Israeli campaign rises to 3,412
Lebanon’s Health Ministry says at least 3,412 people have been killed and 10,269 others wounded since March 2 as a result of Israel’s military campaign in the country.
Israeli military says hostile aircraft alert triggered in north after sirens sound
The Israeli military said sirens were activated in several areas of northern Israel after what it described as a “hostile aircraft infiltration” triggered air defence systems. In a statement, the military said the alerts followed the detection of an aerial threat, adding that earlier sirens had also sounded after “several projectiles that fell in open areas in southern Lebanon were identified”.
Israel’s deepest Lebanon incursion in 25 years tests ceasefire and diplomacy: Report
Israel’s capture of the strategically important Beaufort Castle marks its deepest advance into Lebanon since withdrawing from the country in 2000 and signals a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah. Perched high above southern Lebanon, Beaufort Castle offers commanding views over large parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel. For centuries it has served as a military stronghold, used by Crusaders, Ottoman forces, Palestinian fighters, Hezbollah and Israeli troops, reported AP.
IRGC says it targeted ‘separatist groups’ in northern Iraq
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it carried out strikes against what it described as “separatist groups” in northern Iraq, according to Iranian state media.
Trump says he is ‘in no hurry’ for Iran deal, warns US can act ‘in a different way’
US President Donald Trump said he is “in no hurry” to reach a deal with Iran, warning that Washington could pursue other options if negotiations fail. “If we don't get what we want, we are going to end it in a different way,” Trump said, while reiterating that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains his administration’s top priority.
Gaza death toll rises to 72,939, Palestinian Health Ministry says
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza says the death toll from Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip has risen to at least 72,939 people since October 7, 2023. According to the ministry, a total of 172,927 people have also been injured during the conflict. The figures include those killed and wounded in Israeli military operations across the enclave over the course of the war.
Netanyahu orders deeper Lebanon push as Israel expands offensive against Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has ordered the military to expand its ground operations in Lebanon, signalling a further escalation in Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago. “I instructed the military to expand its ground manoeuvre in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel’s objective is to “deepen and expand our grip on the places that were under Hezbollah’s control”.
Attack near Tyre hospital injures 13 staff, causes major damage: Lebanon health ministry
An attack near Hiram Hospital in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre injured 13 hospital staff members and caused significant damage to the facility, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Lebanon’s National News Agency, citing the ministry, reported that the hospital sustained “serious damage”, adding to destruction from previous attacks. The ministry praised the hospital’s staff for continuing to provide medical services despite the risks. It also renewed calls on the international community to intervene, saying the escalating Israeli attacks showed no regard for international humanitarian law, international resolutions or established norms.
Iran’s Ghalibaf accuses US of seeking to sow division after ‘military defeat’
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of trying to create internal divisions in Iran through economic pressure and media campaigns, saying Washington was attempting to compensate for what he described as a military defeat. Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the parliament’s new presidium, Ghalibaf said the country was entering a “new phase of the war” in which adversaries were seeking to undermine national unity and force Iran into surrender. He dismissed such efforts as a “false dream” and said Iranians remained determined to resist external pressure.
France seeks emergency UN Security Council meeting over Israel’s Lebanon offensive
France has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council following the expansion of Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon and the seizure of Beaufort Castle by Israeli forces. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France recognises Israel’s right to self-defence but argued that the ongoing military campaign and deeper incursions into Lebanese territory cannot be justified. “Nothing can justify the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its ever-deeper occupation of Lebanese territory,” Barrot told BFMTV.
Netanyahu, Katz weigh major Lebanon strikes within 24 hours: report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz are leaning toward approving large-scale strikes across Lebanon within the next 24 hours following a series of security consultations, according to Israel’s Channel 14. The report said the proposed operation could include evacuation warnings affecting hundreds of thousands of civilians in areas expected to be targeted. It also said the plans would be coordinated with the United States.
Netanyahu orders military to expand Lebanon operation, deepen hold on Hezbollah areas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has instructed the military to expand its operations in southern Lebanon and strengthen its control over areas previously held by Hezbollah. “Now my instruction is to deepen and expand our grip on the places that were under Hezbollah’s control,” Netanyahu said, according to Reuters. The remarks came after Israeli forces announced the capture of the strategic Beaufort Castle and surrounding high ground in southern Lebanon, marking Israel’s deepest advance into the country in more than two decades.
Netanyahu hails capture of Beaufort Castle as ‘dramatic change’ in Israel’s strategy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the capture of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon as a “dramatic step” and a significant shift in Israel’s military strategy. According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, Netanyahu said: “The occupation of Beaufort [Castle] is a dramatic step and a dramatic change in the policy we are leading.” He added that Israel was taking the initiative across multiple fronts, saying, “We are operating on all fronts – in Syria, Gaza, Lebanon. We have established security belts beyond our borders to protect our communities.”
Israel says troops capture Beaufort Castle in deepest Lebanon advance in decades
Israeli troops have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking Israel’s deepest military advance into the country in more than 25 years, according to the Israeli military. The Crusader-era fortress sits atop a mountain near the city of Nabatieh and overlooks key areas of southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said the operation was launched several days ago in the Beaufort Ridge and Suluki Valley to dismantle infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah and remove what it described as direct threats to Israeli civilians. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said an Israeli flag had been raised over the castle, while military spokesperson Avichay Adraee published images showing Israeli soldiers at the site.
Iran’s Ghalibaf says only ‘tangible results’ can justify commitments in US talks
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran will judge any agreement with the United States based on concrete outcomes rather than promises, reiterating Iran’s distrust of Washington during ongoing negotiations. “There is no trust in the enemy’s words and promises. Our only criterion is to achieve tangible results before we fulfill our commitments in return,” Ghalibaf said after taking the oath of office following his re-election as speaker of parliament alongside the parliamentary presidium.
Three offshore platforms resume production at Iran’s South Pars gas field: IRNA
Three offshore platforms at Iran’s South Pars gas field have resumed production, according to a report by Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA. The restart marks a boost for operations at the world’s largest offshore natural gas field, which is a cornerstone of Iran’s energy sector.
Iran won’t accept deal without guarantees of its rights, parliament speaker says
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran will not accept any agreement to end its conflict with the United States unless there is certainty that the rights of the Iranian people are protected. Speaking after taking the oath of office following his re-election as speaker, Ghalibaf said Iran remains deeply sceptical of US commitments. “There is no trust in the enemy's words and promises,” he said, according to state media. He added that Tehran’s benchmark for any agreement is the achievement of tangible results before Iran fulfills its own obligations, underscoring Iran’s demand for concrete actions rather than assurances as negotiations with Washington continue.
Israeli military says it intercepted two missiles launched from Lebanon
The Israeli military said it intercepted two missiles launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel on Saturday morning. In a brief statement, the army said the interceptions took place at about 10.49 am local time in the Zar’it area near the Lebanese border. It added that hostile aircraft alerts were activated in the region during the incident.
IRGC says 28 vessels crossed Strait of Hormuz under Iranian coordination
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said 28 vessels, including oil tankers, container ships and other commercial vessels, transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours under the coordination and security oversight of the IRGC Navy.
Vessels pass at slow pace through 'closed' Strait of Hormuz
Iranian state media quoted the Revolutionary Guards as saying that 28 vessels had passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours.
Egypt affirms solidarity with Lebanon
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has affirmed solidarity with Lebanon in a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He also called for Israel’s complete withdrawal from all Lebanese territory and said any infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty is a violation of international law.
Trump says US close to 'very good deal' with Iran
President Donald Trump has said the US and Iran are close to a "very good deal" during an interview with Fox News on Saturday night. He insisted that matters would "end it in a different way" if Washington does not get what it wants.
"We're close to a very good deal. If you're going to be in a hurry, you're not going to make a good deal, and slowly but surely, we're getting what we want - and if we don't get what we want, we're going to end it a different way," Trump said.
Trump said the Iranians are "good negotiators," but argued that the United States now holds "all the cards" because Iran has been "militarily defeated."
"But we're close to a very good deal. If we can make it, good. Otherwise we just start up with the Department of War as we call it," the US President said.
Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz has affected the supply of natural gas, essential for making chemical fertilizer, as well as global shipping. The Gulf region produces 30% of globally traded chemical fertilizer, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute, and global prices have increased by 50%, according to the World Bank's fertilizer price index.
"The clock is ticking very hard," said Maximo Torero, chief economist at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, as concerns grow about food security.
Experts say a shift away from chemical fertilizer could have wider benefits, as its production and usage create significant greenhouse gas emissions, the main driver of climate change.
Natural fertilizers, by contrast, can sequester carbon in the soil and create fewer problems like runoff that can pollute waterways.
Israeli minister hails capture of Beaufort Castle
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz hailed the capture of Beaufort Castle as a "strategic" win. In a post on Telegram, he wrote, "Under the direction of Prime Minister Netanyahu and my guidance, the [Israeli military] expanded the manoeuvre in Lebanon, crossed the Litani River and captured the Beaufort Ridge – one of the most important strategic points for the defence of the Galilee communities and maintaining the security of our forces."
Lebanon has yet to comment on the development.
Israel captures Lebanon's Beaufort Castle
According to Reuters and Associated Press, Israeli forces claimed to have captured the Beaufort Castle near the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon.
Israel's Kann broadcaster showed images of the Israeli flag flying over the structure, located on a high ridge about 15km from the Lebanon-Israel border.