Live Updates: Iranian officer says renewed war with U.S. seems "inevitable" as Israel, Hezbollah keep fighting
A senior Iranian military officer stated on Tuesday that renewed hostilities with the U.S. appear inevitable, while indirect negotiations between the two nations have reportedly stalled. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun emphasized that negotiation is the only viable path to end the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, as clashes continue despite a fragile ceasefire.
A senior Iranian military officer declared on Tuesday that a return to war with the U.S. is 'inevitable,' asserting that 'the Iranian nation will never surrender.' The statement came amid ongoing tensions, as Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire overnight in Lebanon despite a reported ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. have reportedly halted, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News agency, which stated that message exchanges via mediators ceased several days ago. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed Iran’s naval capabilities, claiming there is 'no Iranian navy' and suggesting sunken Iranian vessels could become 'prime fishing spots' in the future. Rubio also noted that Iran had agreed to discuss aspects of its nuclear program previously deemed off-limits, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz cited as a key U.S. demand. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun reiterated that negotiation is the sole path to ending the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, as the fourth round of peace talks between the two nations is set to resume in Washington. Despite a mid-April ceasefire, clashes have persisted, with Israeli forces conducting their deepest incursion into southern Lebanon in 25 years. Netanyahu warned of potential strikes on Beirut, prompting mass evacuations, while Hezbollah accused Israel of violating the truce and rejected Lebanon’s negotiations as 'appeasement.' Aoun emphasized that Lebanon’s instability only benefits Israel, stressing the government’s duty to protect its citizens through diplomacy rather than war. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, continues to target northern Israel while rejecting talks, further complicating regional stability. The U.S. remains engaged in mediating efforts, though progress appears uncertain amid escalating rhetoric and military actions.
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