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Iran’s war escalated Middle East tension after Trump threatened to resume bombings, Tehran denied attack on South Korean ship in Strait of Hormuz, and Israel killed a Hezbollah Radwan force commander near Beirut
Iran’s war once again focused diplomatic and military tension this Thursday, after Donald Trump stated that a deal to end the conflict was “very possible,” but warned that Washington would resume bombings if negotiations failed. In the same scenario of regional escalation, Iran denied attacking a South Korean cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel killed a senior commander of Hezbollah’s elite force near Beirut.
The Israeli attack occurred on Wednesday, in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, the first such action in the area in almost a month. A source close to Hezbollah stated, on condition of anonymity, that Malek Ballout, commander of operations for the Radwan force, was killed in the offensive.
At least 11 other people died in attacks in southern and eastern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel’s armed forces targeted “the commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan force.”
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Iran War raises pressure on negotiations and security in the Strait of Hormuz
Tension in the Strait of Hormuz gained a new chapter after Tehran denied attacking the HMM Namu, a Panamanian-flagged South Korean cargo ship. The vessel caught fire on Monday while navigating the strategic waterway with 24 crew members on board.
Iran’s embassy in Seoul stated that it “vehemently rejects and categorically denies” allegations that Iranian armed forces were behind the explosion. The statement came after Trump said Iran had “fired some shots” at the vessel.
Trump also called on South Korea to join US-led efforts to restore navigation through the strait. After the statement, Seoul announced that it would “review its position” on participating in American ship escort operations.
South Korea backs down on review after suspension of American operation
The South Korean review lost momentum after the suspension of the escort program called “Project Freedom.” National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac stated on Wednesday that the program’s interruption made a change of position unnecessary at that time.
Iran’s war also became marked by contradictory messages from Washington regarding negotiations. Trump claimed “great progress,” but also said it was too early for new direct talks.
The threat of resumed bombings maintained pressure on Tehran amid accusations involving the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian denial, in turn, sought to distance itself from direct responsibility for the explosion on the South Korean cargo ship.
Israeli attack hits Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut
In Lebanon, the National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes launched an attack against Ghobeiri, in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The area is considered a Hezbollah stronghold and had already been affected by the displacement of residents.
An AFP correspondent saw a building covered in rubble after the offensive. People were leaving the scene carrying their belongings, amidst the damage caused by the attack.
A Lebanese security source stated, on condition of anonymity, that the target was an apartment where leaders of the Radwan force were gathered. The death of Malek Ballout reinforced the military weight of the attack within Hezbollah’s structure.
Many residents of the southern suburbs had already left the region after Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into the Middle East war in March. Even with the truce in effect since April 17, some of them have not returned.
The episode in Beirut amplified the regional impact of Iran’s war, which now combines American threats, Iranian denial regarding the Strait of Hormuz, South Korean diplomatic review, and new Israeli attacks against Hezbollah.
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