New official report: More than 4,000 dead in Lebanon since the start of the war
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have left 4,057 dead since the start of the war between pro-Iranian Hezbollah and Israel on March 2, including 135 rescuers and medical personnel, according to a new official report on Saturday June 20.
This toll includes 83 people killed Friday, during massive Israeli raids in the south and east of Lebanon, which also left 141 injured, said the Ministry of Health, which had reported the day before a provisional toll of 47 dead.
The US military is “vigilant” after the announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz
The American armed forces remain “vigilant” to implement the ceasefire agreement with Iran, the American Middle East Command (Centcom) said on Saturday, after Tehran announced the new closure of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
According to Centcom, crossings of the Strait of Hormuz continued safely on Saturday, with 55 merchant ships passing through.
Iran warns US that deal is ‘in danger’
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned the United States on Saturday June 20 that the memorandum of understanding concluded between the two countries would be “in danger” if its provisions were not implemented quickly, in the midst of an outbreak of violence in Lebanon. “The other party must take the necessary measures as soon as possible, or else the entire memorandum of understanding”, which notably provides for the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon “will be in danger”, affirmed the spokesperson for Iranian diplomacy, Esmaïl Baghaï, quoted by the official Irna agency.
“Technical” discussions around the agreement planned for Sunday in Switzerland
Mediating country Pakistan announced that technical discussions to implement the US-Iran deal to end the Middle East war would be held in Switzerland on Sunday.
“Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding (…), technical talks will take place in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on June 21,” the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday, June 20, adding that Pakistani and Qatari mediators would participate in the discussions with American and Iranian representatives. US Vice President JD Vance said on Saturday he expected to leave “in the coming days” for Switzerland.
Iran announces further closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Considering that Israel is not respecting the ceasefire in Lebanon, the central command of the Iranian army announced in a press release on Saturday, June 20, a new closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. This first measure is a response to the enemy’s violation of commitments,” the Iranian army’s central command said in a statement read on state television. “If the aggression continues, further measures will be planned and implemented to compel the enemy to comply with its obligations,” he added.
Israeli military operations continue in Lebanon
New Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon left 16 dead on Saturday June 20. The Lebanese army, for its part, announced on Saturday the death of one of its soldiers. On Friday, a ceasefire was announced between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah.
