U.S. President Donald Trump has once again postponed planned military strikes on Iran, claiming that the outlines of a peace deal are taking shape. However, Tehran has categorically denied asking Washington to halt the strikes, calling the allegations false. As tensions continue to simmer, Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia are reportedly urging de-escalation, fearing the devastating consequences of a wider regional conflict.

In this exclusive interview, Chris Doyle, Director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU), analyzes the evolving crisis, Trump's repeated reversals, Iran's military strategy, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the growing role of Gulf countries in preventing a full-scale regional war.

Can diplomacy still succeed, or is another military confrontation inevitable?

Watch the full analysis for the latest developments from the Middle East.

Iran-U.S. War: Trump Losing Credibility as Conflict Drags On, Expert Warns

The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. Israel says it targeted Hezbollah positions inside a security zone to eliminate threats against its forces.

The strikes come as the United Nations voices concern over extensive demolitions near Beaufort Castle, a UNESCO-listed heritage site recently added to the list of World Heritage in Danger. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject the US-backed framework agreement that calls for its disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UNESCO Site Damaged In Lebanon

The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while confirming that one Israeli soldier was injured during the operation.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted Hezbollah fighters inside what it described as a security zone. Israel maintains it will continue military operations to eliminate threats against its forces and civilians.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel's large-scale detonations and demolitions in southern Lebanon, warning of severe damage to civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and local communities. The concerns come after explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle, recently added to the list of World Heritage sites in danger.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UN Sounds Alarm Over Lebanon Strikes

Israel says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while reporting that an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. The Israeli military says it will continue targeting what it describes as Hezbollah threats inside a security zone.

The developments come as the United Nations voices concern over Israeli military actions, particularly after large-scale explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject calls for disarmament despite a U.S.-backed framework agreement aimed at reducing hostilities.

U.S. Running Out of Missiles? Israel-Hezbollah Clash Escalates Amid Iran War

Back in May, Israel’s defence forces started deploying hundreds of mesh nets to entangle and stop incoming Hezbollah first-person view drones. Local media said the Israeli defence ministry reported a successful drone interception against Hezbollah drones of just 50% in June. 

Israel mulls national drone ban after Iran claims to have tripled drone production | Gravitas

The Lebanese Army is reportedly preparing to move into areas long considered Hezbollah strongholds, as regional dynamics continue to shift. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the Lebanese government while also indicating openness to talks involving Hezbollah, raising fresh questions about the future of security and diplomacy in Lebanon.

Trump backs Lebanese government, open to Hezbollah talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington on Sunday — the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the US capital since 2009. Rubio praised Lebanon's "courage" in working to disarm Hezbollah and reclaim state sovereignty, reaffirming US support for the Trilateral Framework agreed with Israel.


US Department of State: We are backing Lebanon's peace efforts

#Gravitas Lebanese authorities have arrested a man close to Hezbollah's core group, accusing him of spying for Israel's Mossad and of providing intel that led to the killing of at least four top commanders in the Iran-backed group. 


Lebanon arrests Israel spy who betrayed, killed Hezbollah leaders

Lebanese authorities have arrested a man accused of spying for Israel and allegedly infiltrating Hezbollah's internal network in what investigators describe as one of the most significant intelligence breaches faced by the Iran-backed group in recent years. According to Lebanese investigators, the suspect allegedly provided highly sensitive intelligence that helped Israel identify and target several senior Hezbollah military commanders during 2024, including Fouad Shukur and Ibrahim Akil. Officials say the suspect maintained close access to Hezbollah's leadership and reportedly met individuals linked to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency during trips to Turkey before passing information about targets in Beirut.

Hezbollah security breach: Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy linked to top commanders' killings

Lebanese authorities have arrested a man accused of working as an Israeli spy and allegedly infiltrating Hezbollah's internal network in one of the most significant counterintelligence cases in recent years. According to Lebanese investigators, the suspect is believed to have provided Israel with highly sensitive intelligence that allegedly helped identify targets for the assassinations of several senior Hezbollah military commanders during 2024. Reports claim the suspect maintained close access to Hezbollah's leadership and passed intelligence after meeting alleged Israeli intelligence operatives during trips abroad. Lebanese officials say he was arrested at Beirut's airport while attempting to leave the country for Iraq after months of surveillance.

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of infiltrating hezbollah &helping target top commanders

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released footage showing what they describe as Hezbollah bunkers and underground infrastructure amid rising tensions in the region.
The development comes as clashes and security concerns continue along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions: Secret Tunnel Used by Hezbollah Discovered by Israeli Military

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack fundamentally changed Israel's security doctrine. Israel now insists on maintaining buffer zones inside Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syria, arguing they are essential to prevent future attacks. While Israeli leaders say the policy is about national security, critics accuse Israel of prolonged military occupation and violating neighboring countries' sovereignty.

Israel says October 7 changed everything, Netanyahu defends buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon & Syria

Israel just announced a major shift in how it protects itself. Prime Minister Netanyahu says Israel’s security now "begins beyond its borders",  vowing to establish buffer zones inside Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. The move signals a rewrite of Israel’s security doctrine, moving from reactive defense to proactive occupation of border areas. 


Netanyahu says Israel's security begins beyond its borders

Hezbollah supporters gathered to honour Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a memorial ceremony, pledging to continue what they described as the path of resistance. Mourners said the loss of leaders would not end their movement, as tributes poured in following Khamenei's death.

Hezbollah supporters hold memorial for Khamenei, vow 'resistance' will continue

Mass funeral ceremonies were held for Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, drawing large crowds of mourners and supporters. The events took place amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and increased security in the region. The Deputy Mayor Kafrah spoke to WION, as concerns over further escalation continue.


WION in Lebanon: Kafrah deputy mayor says we are only defending our land .

Mass funeral ceremonies were held for Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, drawing large crowds of mourners and supporters. The events took place amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and increased security in the region. The Deputy Mayor Kafrah spoke to WION, as concerns over further escalation continue.

WION in Lebanon: Mass funerals held for Hezbollah fighters 

Just days after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-backed peace framework, Israel says it destroyed a large Hezbollah weapons tunnel in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has condemned the strike and warned that it could respond, raising questions over whether the ceasefire will hold.


Israel blows up Hezbollah tunnel, ceasefire comes under strain

Hezbollah’s leader on Saturday pilloried the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement signed in Washington as “null and void” and a surrender of Lebanon’s sovereignty, with the terror group’s top ally in Beirut’s parliament going as far as calling it an “incitement to civil war.”


Lebanon-Israel Peace Deal: Hezbollah Supporters Protest Against Trilateral Deal

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the US-Israel-Lebanon framework as "humiliating" and "null and void," warning it legitimises Israeli occupation.

Hezbollah's Naim Qassem calls US-Israel-Lebanon framework 'humiliating' warns against surrendering 'sovereignty'

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has firmly rejected any continuation of Israeli occupation, declaring that Lebanon will accept nothing less than a complete end to it. His remarks come as the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah remains under strain, with clashes continuing along the border. Aoun also called for an end to foreign tutelage, emphasizing Lebanon's sovereignty amid growing regional tensions and diplomatic uncertainty.


Israel-Lebanon War: Hezbollah Slams Israeli Attacks As 'Blatant Truce Violation'

Fresh diplomatic efforts are underway as Israel and Lebanon return to the negotiating table in Washington, but major differences remain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly refused to commit to a withdrawal from Lebanese territory, while Hezbollah has strongly denounced the talks. 


Israel And Lebanon Return To Negotiating Table In Washington

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has discussed a “deconfliction mechanism” for the country with United States Vice President JD Vance and the Qatari prime minister.

The phone call on Monday focused on consolidating the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese presidency said in a statement. The hostilities between the pair have seen the Israeli military occupy parts of southern Lebanon and launch repeated air raids while Hezbollah has attacked northern Israel.


Vance & Rubio Discuss Post-Ceasefire Arrangements in Lebanon

A fragile truce between Israel and Lebanon has left many families uncertain, torn between skepticism and cautious hope for lasting peace.

While diplomatic efforts aim to stabilize the region, civilians on both sides remain wary after years of escalating tensions and recurring violence along the border. For many, the announcement of a ceasefire brings relief — but not certainty about what comes next.

This report captures the emotional reality on the ground as communities continue to grapple with fear, loss, and the hope that this truce might hold.

Israel-Lebanon Truce: Families Skeptic, Still Cling To Hope

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Iran-U.S. War: Trump Losing Credibility as Conflict Drags On, Expert Warns

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UNESCO Site Damaged In Lebanon

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UN Sounds Alarm Over Lebanon Strikes

U.S. Running Out of Missiles? Israel-Hezbollah Clash Escalates Amid Iran War

U.S. Running Out of Missiles? Israel-Hezbollah Clash Escalates Amid Iran War

Israel mulls national drone ban after Iran claims to have tripled its production

Trump backs Lebanese government, open to Hezbollah talks

US Department of State: We are backing Lebanon's peace efforts

Lebanon arrests Israel spy who betrayed, killed Hezbollah leaders

Hezbollah security breach: Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy linked to top commanders' killings

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of infiltrating hezbollah &helping target top commanders

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions: Secret Tunnel Used by Hezbollah Discovered by Israeli Military

Israel says October 7 changed everything, Netanyahu defends buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon & Syria

Netanyahu says Israel's security begins beyond its borders

Hezbollah supporters hold memorial for Khamenei, vow 'resistance' will continue

WION in Lebanon: Kafrah deputy mayor says we are only defending our land .

WION in Lebanon: Mass funerals held for Hezbollah fighters

Israel blows up Hezbollah tunnel, ceasefire comes under strain

Lebanon-Israel Peace Deal: Hezbollah Supporters Protest Against Trilateral Deal

Hezbollah's Naim Qassem calls US-Israel-Lebanon framework 'humiliating'

Israel-Lebanon War: Hezbollah Slams Israeli Attacks As 'Blatant Truce Violation'

Israel And Lebanon Return To Negotiating Table In Washington

Vance & Rubio Discuss Post-Ceasefire Arrangements in Lebanon

Israel-Lebanon Truce: Families Skeptic, Still Cling To Hope