US-Iran tensions flare after airstrikes; Hezbollah slams regional deal

The Middle East is experiencing heightened tensions after U.S. forces launched airstrikes against Iranian drone and ammunition depots. The U.S. stated its actions were in response to Iran's attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, with Vice President Vance declaring, "Violence will be met with violence."

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. strikes, labeling them a "blatant violation" of the UN Charter and a memorandum of understanding. The Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have struck U.S. military positions in the region in retaliation. Bahrain also reported being attacked by Iranian drones.

Adding to the regional instability, Hezbollah has strongly criticized an agreement between the U.S. and Lebanon, describing it as "humiliating" and detrimental to Lebanese sovereignty. Hezbollah supporters took to the streets of Beirut to protest the deal. Meanwhile, reports indicate that a new round of U.S.-Iran negotiations is slated to occur in Qatar in July, focusing on frozen Iranian assets. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would use "force" against Iran if it attempted to impede the implementation of the agreement with Lebanon.