Fighting intensified as Israel expanded its ground offensive into southern Lebanon, killing Israeli soldiers and three United Nations peacekeepers within 24 hours. The United Nations Security Council is set to discuss the escalation, though responsibility for the peacekeepers' deaths remains unclear. Israel says it aims to push Hezbollah militants away from its border in what officials warn could become a prolonged campaign.
The conflict has widened beyond Lebanon, with Israeli strikes hitting targets linked to Iran and Iranian missile attacks reaching Israel and Gulf Arab states. Iran's foreign minister said Tehran's operations target only United States forces, despite reports of civilian sites being struck. Gulf Arab governments have voiced growing concern as violence spreads across the region.
United States President Donald Trump said Washington is negotiating with Iran's parliamentary speaker to end the war, though Iranian officials denied direct talks are taking place. Trump also warned that failure to reach a deal soon could result in widespread destruction of Iran's energy and infrastructure. Financial markets reacted cautiously, with oil prices climbing amid uncertainty over how long the conflict will last.

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