Lebanon and Iran face rising sectarian and security tensions

In Lebanon, the aftermath of the Israel‑Hezbollah war has revived deep sectarian divisions as the state seeks to retrieve Hezbollah’s weapons. The Washington‑brokered agreement for a durable peace and Israeli troop withdrawal stalls, with Hezbollah refusing disarmament and communities clashing over the issue.

In Iran, the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has sparked highly guarded funeral ceremonies in Tehran and other holy cities. Security forces have imposed extensive measures and Iranian officials have warned the United States and Israel against any military action, underscoring the fragile stability amid ongoing regional conflicts and stalled nuclear negotiations.