Israeli Airstrikes Hit Lebanon Despite US-Iran Agreement Efforts; 16 Dead

Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon continued on Friday, leaving at least 16 people dead and several others injured, according to an Al Jazeera report. The strikes were carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which said the operations targeted Hezbollah positions. The attacks came despite provisions in the reported US-Iran agreement that called for an end to hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. According to the IDF, multiple overnight strikes were conducted in southern Lebanon in response to what it described as Hezbollah's "repeated violations" of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran have encountered a setback. Earlier in the day, Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the planned talks involving the United States, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan had been postponed. Responding to an ANI query via email, the Swiss Foreign Ministry stated that Switzerland remains prepared to host the negotiations. It added that preparations at the Burgenstock venue are continuing, but no additional details could be provided at this stage. The White House also indicated that US Vice President JD Vance would not travel to Switzerland on Thursday (local time), as the negotiations had not yet been finalized. A White House spokesperson said a delegation remains ready to depart as soon as discussions are officially scheduled. The spokesperson further noted that the Vice President would not be leaving that night and that updates would be shared once there is clarity regarding the next steps. The US administration also expressed hope that technical-level discussions would begin at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile, in Tehran, Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretariat warned that any breach of the agreement by the other side would invite a response. According to Iran's ISNA News Agency, the council stated that it remains deeply distrustful due to what it described as the opposing side's history of violating agreements and that it is closely monitoring the implementation of the negotiation process. It added that any violation by the United States would be met with a response under a pre-determined plan.