🔸 Israel sets conditions for Lebanon withdrawal: Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the emerging agreement "removes Iran from the paradigm" and makes Hezbollah's dismantlement a prerequisite for any Israeli withdrawal and the transfer of "pilot zones" to Lebanese Armed Forces control.
Leiter said Israel and Lebanon share an interest in removing Hezbollah to restore Lebanese sovereignty. He warned Israel will maintain its current security zone if the pilot areas prove unreceptive or Hezbollah remains active, stressing the objective is to prevent threats similar to those of October 7.
He said coordination with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is ongoing to create conditions for a phased withdrawal, following an "if it works, then we continue" approach. Otherwise, Israel's current security posture will remain unchanged.
🔸 Rome negotiations to begin July 14-15: Preparations are underway for negotiations at the U.S. Embassy in Rome on July 14-15 focusing on withdrawal, deployment, and military issues.
Lebanese officials described the atmosphere as "cautiously positive" despite the absence of guarantees. Lebanon will be represented by Ambassadors Simon Karam and Nada Mouawad alongside Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter at the ambassador-to-the-U.S. level.
The U.S. delegation remains unchanged from previous Washington talks, reflecting what officials described as significant American interest in the talks' success. The agenda is also expected to address civilian mission files and pilot zones, although no Israeli response has yet been confirmed.
🔹 Lebanese Army rejects direct coordination with Israel: According to Al-Mayadeen, citing an official source, the Lebanese Army has rejected direct coordination with Israeli forces on implementing the pilot zones mechanism until Israel fully withdraws from the designated experimental areas.
The report says the United States is managing all field coordination, with no physical American presence inside the pilot zones.
💥 U.S. launches new strikes against Iran: U.S. Central Command announced that at 5:00 p.m. ET it began a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets aimed at further degrading Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said President Trump ordered the strikes to hold Iranian forces accountable.
CENTCOM also rejected Iranian claims that three American service members had been killed in Kuwait, stating: "FALSE. TRUTH: There are zero reports of U.S. service member deaths or injuries in the region. All personnel are accounted for."
💥 Explosions reported across southern Iran: Iranian media reported explosions near Taheroui in the Sirik area, as well as renewed explosions in Jask and southern Qeshm Island.
Additional reports said explosions were heard Monday morning in Bushehr Province, including the cities of Bushehr and Kangan.
The origin of the explosions and the possible extent of the incidents remain unverified as Iranian authorities continue assessing the affected areas.
⚠️ Iran accuses neighboring states of serving as U.S. bases: Iran's Foreign Ministry declared that some neighboring countries have effectively become "U.S. bases in their entirety," arguing that Washington's military presence now extends beyond individual installations to entire states.
❗️ Kuwait reports attacks as Iran claims U.S. assets were hit: Kuwait reported attacks on three northern border posts and an offshore Kuwait Oil Company drilling platform, causing property damage and injuring one worker in a drone strike.
Separately, the IRGC, through Fars News Agency, claimed it destroyed U.S. HIMARS launchers and missile pods in Kuwait using precision drone strikes.
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