Israeli air strikes destroy a key bridge linking southern Lebanon with the rest of the country

Lebanese state media says the Qasmiyeh bridge was hit by two successive attacks. Israel says it’s targeting Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak to the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun today, an Israeli minister says

Lebanon earlier cast doubt on Donald Trump’s claim that the leaders were due to hold talks

Towns and villages across southern Lebanon are being levelled by Israeli demolitions, BBC Verify analysis shows

Meanwhile, the US says it has turned round 10 ships in its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
You Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran,” he said.

“But if Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy.”

As part of a campaign to pressure Tehran to agree to a deal, US military forces are mounting a blockade on all ships seeking to enter or leave Iran.

“(We) will actively pursue any Iranian flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” said General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Ships trying to break the blockade would be intercepted and warned that “If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force.” Enforcement would occur inside Iran’s territorial seas and in international waters, he told the briefing.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. (AFP)

Reuters

Published: 16 April ,2026: 04:07 PM GSTUpdated: 16 April ,2026: 04:36 PM GST

1 minread

US forces in the Middle East are postured to restart combat operations if Iran doesn’t agree to a peace deal, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing on Th

“You Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran,” he said.

“But if Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy.”

As part of a campaign to pressure Tehran to agree to a deal, US military forces are mounting a blockade on all ships seeking to enter or leave Iran.

“(We) will actively pursue any Iranian flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” said General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Ships trying to break the blockade would be intercepted and warned that “If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force.” Enforcement would occur inside Iran’s territorial seas and in international waters, he told the briefing.