By Staff Reporter
Tensions across the Middle East escalated on Tuesday after the Israeli military issued fresh evacuation orders in southern Lebanon while Iran warned it would “open new fronts” against the United States if attacks resume amid stalled nuclear negotiations.
The Israeli military ordered residents of 12 towns and villages in southern Lebanon to immediately evacuate ahead of expected operations targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
In a statement posted on X, Israeli military Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said Hezbollah’s alleged violations of the ceasefire had forced the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to act.
“Hezbollah’s continued violations of the ceasefire compel the IDF to operate against it. The IDF does not intend to harm you. For your safety, we urge you to distance yourself from the area and immediately move at least 1,000 metres away,” he said.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency later reported a fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes targeting several locations in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for retaliatory drone attacks targeting Israeli troops and military vehicles in northern Israel. The group also said it launched additional strikes against Israeli forces operating inside Lebanese territory.
The developments came as Iran sharply warned Washington against any renewed military action.
Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Tehran would respond with expanded military operations if the United States resumes attacks.
“If the enemy is foolish enough to fall into the Zionist trap again and launches new aggression against our beloved Iran, we will open new fronts against it, with new equipment and new methods,” Akraminia told Iran’s ISNA news agency.
The warning comes amid mounting uncertainty over nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran. Talks reportedly remain deadlocked after Tehran submitted a counterproposal that stopped short of meeting Washington’s key demand to halt highly enriched uranium activities.
US President Donald Trump has reportedly paused plans for a new military strike on Iran while diplomatic efforts continue.
The wider regional crisis has also intensified concerns over energy security after drone attacks were reported near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, prompting condemnation from regional and international organisations.
The conflict continues to place the Middle East on edge as diplomatic negotiations, military threats and cross-border attacks raise fears of a broader regional confrontation.
