TEHRAN -- Iran said Wednesday it has not exchanged any new written messages with the United States, pushing back against reports that the two sides are close to a one-page agreement to end hostilities.
The semi-official Fars news agency called reports by Axios and Reuters "fabricated," saying they were designed to influence global markets and drive down oil prices rather than reflect the situation on the ground. (Iran-US-Talks)
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JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday dismissed reports that Israel was caught off guard by Washington's diplomatic moves toward Iran, saying that he is in near-daily contact with U.S. President Donald Trump to ensure full coordination.
"We are in continuous contact with our friends in the United States," Netanyahu said. "I speak with President Trump on an almost daily basis. My people and his people speak daily, including today," he said. (Israel-Iran-US)
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BEIRUT/JERUSALEM -- Israel on Wednesday evening launched its first airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs since a ceasefire with Lebanon took effect in mid-April, Lebanon's TV channel al-Jadeed reported.
An Israeli warship fired three missiles at a residential apartment in the municipality of Haret Hreik in the area, causing heavy destruction and prompting ambulances to rush to the site, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. (Lebanon-Israel-Attack)
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JERUSALEM -- Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir toured southern Lebanon on Wednesday following fresh Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese targets, telling commanders they face "no limits" in operations against Hezbollah.
His remarks came as Lebanon's LBCI television reported that a third round of peace talks between Israel and Lebanon could be held in Washington next week, though there was no immediate official confirmation. (Israel-Lebanon-Conflict) ■
