The U.S. military struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island overnight, triggering renewed tensions with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rose above $90 on Monday morning.
The U.S. Central Command said that the goal of the U.S. strike on Larak Island was to prevent sea mines from being placed in the Strait of Hormuz, which CENTCOM called “an imminent threat.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed to retaliate. On Monday morning, the IRGC said it had attacked U.S. bases in Jordan, but the Jordanian military said that it “intercepted eight missiles that penetrated the kingdom’s airspace.”
As Washington and Tehran exchange military attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video of Kharg Island being bombed, writing it was “being blown to smithereens.” The video was published a few hours after the U.S. attacks on Larak Island.
In Lebanon
Fighting in South Lebanon continues: The past week has seen continued Israeli demolitions of houses in Lebanese towns such as Houla. Over the weekend, artillery fire was reported in the areas of Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil. Fighting also continues in the Ali Taher area, where Israel claims Hezbollah has a major infrastructure stronghold.
U.S. supports Beirut’s effort to negotiate: The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon has affirmed its support for the Lebanese government. The framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel “clearly states that the Lebanese government is the only legitimate interlocutor for discussions on Lebanon’s future,” the embassy said.
Commemoration of the disappearance of Imam Moussa Sadr: Amal Movement founder Sadr disappeared 48 years ago in Libya. Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is expected to give a speech today in honor of Sadr. Berri already marked the anniversary in a social media post on Sunday.
In the Region
UAE denies reports of Iranian attacks: Abu Dhabi has condemned the Iranian aggression against the UAE, while denying allegations that its Al Minhad Air Base was attacked on Monday morning. The reports were “false,” but the country’s military would “remain on high state of readiness to respond to any threats that may arise,” the Ministry of Defense said. The Ministry also said that a drone was detected over the water approaching the UAE from Iran. The threat was “dealt with,” and no damage was reported.
Fire in the Strait of Hormuz: According to the IRGC Navy, a supertanker caught fire after hitting two sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The fire was later extinguished, according to the IRGC Navy. These claims could not be independently verified.
What We’re Reading
Silk Amnesia. Charles H. Al-Hayek examines the history of silk in Lebanon and argues that the country’s textbooks should accommodate the rich and longstanding traditions of silk production.
Lebanon Must Take Off UNIFIL’s Training Wheels. NOW’s managing editor Makram Rabah says that Lebanon should stop relying on UNIFIL. Instead, the government in Beirut should support the Lebanese military in its endeavor to protect the country’s sovereignty and security.
From Missiles to Markets: Lebanon’s Choice. Elissa El Hachem looks at Lebanon’s economic future. She argues that the country is facing two scenarios — one of economic foreign investment and one of continued conflict through Hezbollah’s armed wing.
From UNIFIL to the Lebanese Army: Funding and Sovereignty. NOW’s Rodayna Raydan examines the dilemma Lebanon is facing regarding the future of UNIFIL. The Lebanese government wants UNIFIL to stay due to the current weakness of the Lebanese army. But by keeping UN troops in the South, Lebanon is reliant on an external actor to secure its borders.
A Love Letter to Lebanon from a Lebanese Jew. Isaac Chou describes his connection to Lebanon as part of the country’s Jewish diaspora. He examines the country’s Jewish heritage and the coexistence between different communities and makes a case for pluralism.
