Israel launches air strike on Beirut as US says it has attacked Iranian-flagged ship

Israel resumed airstrikes on Lebanon’s capital Beirut on May 6, targeting a Hezbollah commander in the Dahieh district, the first such attack since a ceasefire was announced on April 16. The strikes caused significant damage near the hit building, according to images shared online. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the military operation, citing Hezbollah as the primary target. Simultaneously, the US Central Command (Centcom) reported disabling an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, claiming it had shot at and disabled the vessel. The US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in effect, with Centcom stating that 52 ships had already been turned back. President Trump had earlier announced the suspension of Project Freedom, reinforcing the blockade’s continuation. Earlier in the day, US media outlets reported that Trump administration officials were close to finalizing a memorandum of understanding with Iran, with Tehran expected to respond within 48 hours. Trump described the talks as productive, stating, 'We’ve had very good talks over the last 24 hours,' and hinted at a possible deal. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson acknowledged that a US proposal was still under consideration, while Iran’s Navy suggested the Strait of Hormuz could reopen if 'aggressors’ threats' ended. The escalating tensions come amid heightened regional instability, with Israel’s strikes in Lebanon and the US-Iran standoff raising concerns over further escalation. The US blockade and the targeting of Iranian vessels underscore the ongoing confrontation, while diplomatic efforts appear to be in their final stages. Iran’s conditional stance on reopening the Strait of Hormuz reflects its demand for an end to perceived hostilities before normalizing maritime activity.