Israel-Lebanon clashes kill over 4,000 as Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz

The Israeli offensive in southern Lebanon has raised the death toll to 4,175 and injured 12,164 since the fighting began on 2 March, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Health. The United Nations Development Programme estimates damage to Lebanese buildings at $1.38 billion. A short‑lived truce between Israel and Hezbollah ended as Israeli forces continued bombing, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israel's refusal to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Iranian officials called the closure a "first step" and halted maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.

Negotiations to restore a cease‑fire are underway in Washington and Tehran, with U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and adviser Jared Kushner, contacting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his army has "total freedom of action" to counter any direct threat from Lebanon. The situation raises concerns over regional stability and the security of global oil shipments.