Iran War Live Updates: Israel Expands Lebanon Offensive; Trump’s Oil-Route Demands Draw Cool Response

The Israeli military is escalating its ground attacks against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, as part of its ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued large-scale evacuation orders for parts of southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, specifically targeting areas controlled by Hezbollah. This unprecedented warning has led to significant traffic chaos in Beirut, with hundreds of thousands of residents attempting to leave the affected areas. The evacuation order reflects a significant escalation in Israel's military strategy, with Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich comparing the expected destruction in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut to the devastation seen in parts of Gaza. The conflict has resulted in at least 12 deaths and 33 injuries in the town of Nabi Chit, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Since the onset of the conflict, more than 200 fatalities have been reported in Lebanon, with over 95,000 people displaced from their homes. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, with estimates suggesting that over 300,000 civilians have evacuated their villages in the southern region due to the ongoing violence. The Secretary General of the Lebanese Red Cross, Georges Kettaneh, indicated that the actual number of displaced individuals could be significantly higher than reported. In addition to the military actions in Lebanon, Israel has conducted strikes on Iran's key South Pars gas field, which has rattled global energy markets and raised fears of further escalation. This attack has contributed to increased oil prices and heightened concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region. Iran's foreign minister has stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all except for America and its allies, following President Trump's threats to strike Iran's main oil export terminal if the country does not lift its de facto blockade. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military operations and a significant humanitarian impact on the civilian population in the targeted areas. The international response has been mixed, with China and other nations reacting tepidly to President Trump's call for warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The developments in Lebanon and the broader region continue to evolve as the conflict escalates.