The Lebanese army had given itself until the end of 2025 to complete the first phase of its plan to clear the south and disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah. The Iran-backed group has been resisting attempts to disarm it, as Israel continues its bombardment of the south and east of the country where Hezbollah has traditionally held sway.

Beirut: Iran does not want war with Israel or the United States, but is ready to fight back if attacked again, the country’s foreign minister said on Thursday, January 8. Speaking upon arrival in Beirut,