Lebanon conflict escalates as Hezbollah rejects ceasefire; Iran nuclear concerns rise

Eight people were killed and eight injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting eastern and southern Lebanon on Thursday, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The strikes occurred just a day after a new ceasefire was announced in Washington, highlighting the volatile situation on the border.

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The ceasefire must be global, without dissociating the south from the rest of the country, and without freedom to kill for the enemy in Lebanon.

Hezbollah's leader, Naïm Qassem, rejected the announced ceasefire, demanding a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. He warned of renewed attacks on northern Israel if the conditions were not met. Qassem stated that any ceasefire must be comprehensive, without isolating southern Lebanon or allowing Israel freedom to attack within the country. Hezbollah initiated cross-border attacks in early March, following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an Israeli-American attack.

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) raised concerns about Iran's nuclear program. In a confidential report, the agency noted that a lack of access to verify nuclear material in Iran constitutes a "proliferation concern." The IAEA urged Iran to cooperate constructively, emphasizing that while military attacks on nuclear facilities have created an unprecedented situation, the agency must be allowed to conduct its activities without delay.

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If the Agency has recognized that the military attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities and sites have created an unprecedented situation, it is crucial that it can carry out its activities without delay.

U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, stating that Washington does not need an agreement with Iran to obtain enriched uranium. He suggested that the U.S. could acquire it if desired, but saw no current reason to do so, describing the matter as "buried."

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We could get it right now. I don't think they could stop us if we wanted to, but there is no reason to do it. It is buried.