2 months ago
Sept 10 (Reuters) - The Israeli military destroyed Hezbollah underground infrastructure at the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday, adding that the operation completed the consolidation of a security zone in the area.
Israeli forces would remain in the area to prevent the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militant group from re-establishing its presence and rebuilding its capabilities, the two officials said in a joint statement.
The Ali al-Taher ridge, about 15 km (10 miles) from the Israeli border, has become one of the most contested areas of the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah is believed to have built an underground command centre and weapons stores there, according to Lebanese security sources who spoke to Reuters in July.
Lebanon's state news agency NNA said the Israeli military carried out a powerful blast at the ridge, with tremors and the sound of the explosion felt across Nabatieh and surrounding areas.
The Israeli military said its forces had established "operational control" over the ridge, both above and below ground, before dismantling the infrastructure. The network extended for more than 2 km (1.24 miles) and contained dozens of rockets, missiles and drones, as well as anti-tank missiles, mines and explosive devices, it said.
#israeli #hezbollah #minister #infrastructure
Israeli forces would remain in the area to prevent the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militant group from re-establishing its presence and rebuilding its capabilities, the two officials said in a joint statement.
The Ali al-Taher ridge, about 15 km (10 miles) from the Israeli border, has become one of the most contested areas of the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah is believed to have built an underground command centre and weapons stores there, according to Lebanese security sources who spoke to Reuters in July.
Lebanon's state news agency NNA said the Israeli military carried out a powerful blast at the ridge, with tremors and the sound of the explosion felt across Nabatieh and surrounding areas.
The Israeli military said its forces had established "operational control" over the ridge, both above and below ground, before dismantling the infrastructure. The network extended for more than 2 km (1.24 miles) and contained dozens of rockets, missiles and drones, as well as anti-tank missiles, mines and explosive devices, it said.
#israeli #hezbollah #minister #infrastructure
2 months ago
By Maya Gebeily and Rami Ayyub
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Israel's military has cleared Hezbollah fighters holed up in tunnels under the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday, though the Iran-backed group did not immediately comment.
Israel had said Hezbollah fighters were embedded in tunnels under the ridge, which overlooks a wide area and had become one of the most hotly contested areas in the Israel-Hezbollah war, despite a ceasefire announced in June.
Reuters reported on Thursday that Iran had warned the United States last month that it would respond forcefully to an Israeli ****** ault on its Hezbollah allies' positions within the ridge.
"The mission was completed and the tunnels were cleared of terrorists," Katz said on social media, after a statement by the military late on Thursday saying it had operational control of the ridge.
#tunnels #Iran #military
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Israel's military has cleared Hezbollah fighters holed up in tunnels under the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday, though the Iran-backed group did not immediately comment.
Israel had said Hezbollah fighters were embedded in tunnels under the ridge, which overlooks a wide area and had become one of the most hotly contested areas in the Israel-Hezbollah war, despite a ceasefire announced in June.
Reuters reported on Thursday that Iran had warned the United States last month that it would respond forcefully to an Israeli ****** ault on its Hezbollah allies' positions within the ridge.
"The mission was completed and the tunnels were cleared of terrorists," Katz said on social media, after a statement by the military late on Thursday saying it had operational control of the ridge.
#tunnels #Iran #military
2 months ago
BEIRUT (AP) — A Canadian government official condemned what he called Israel's "unlawful invasion" of Lebanon, saying Beirut should govern its own ******* e and have sovereignty over its lands.
Randeep Sarai, Canada's secretary of state for international development, visited Lebanon to announce new humanitarian aid to the crisis-hit country, where the U.N. says some 360,000 people remain displaced as a result of the latest conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
"We have been working actively, I think, through diplomatic channels to do whatever possible to stop that and to allow Lebanese communities that are from those areas to be able to move back," Sarai said in an interview with The ******* ociated Press late Tuesday.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war started when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel on March 2, two days after the U.S. and Israel began attacks on Iran. The war has killed over 4,000 people, caused wide destruction in southern Lebanon and at one point displaced over 1 million people.
Israel launched a ground invasion and is now occupying dozens of towns and villages in southern Lebanon, many of which have been almost completely demolished. Israeli officials have said they will not pull out from Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.
#Iran
Randeep Sarai, Canada's secretary of state for international development, visited Lebanon to announce new humanitarian aid to the crisis-hit country, where the U.N. says some 360,000 people remain displaced as a result of the latest conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
"We have been working actively, I think, through diplomatic channels to do whatever possible to stop that and to allow Lebanese communities that are from those areas to be able to move back," Sarai said in an interview with The ******* ociated Press late Tuesday.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war started when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel on March 2, two days after the U.S. and Israel began attacks on Iran. The war has killed over 4,000 people, caused wide destruction in southern Lebanon and at one point displaced over 1 million people.
Israel launched a ground invasion and is now occupying dozens of towns and villages in southern Lebanon, many of which have been almost completely demolished. Israeli officials have said they will not pull out from Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.
#Iran
2 months ago
JERUSALEM — Fox News Digital gained rare access to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Tzrifin Base in Central Israel, where a vast number of confiscated rockets, grenades, drones, sniper rifles, automated weapons, anti-tank rocket launchers, mortars and other military firepower used by Hezbollah and Hamas are stored.
The seized ***** nal of weapons, ranging in manufacturers from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia, China to homegrown producers in Lebanon and Gaza and even a ***** -era gun, were part of the war machinery used by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israeli civilians and the IDF since Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
The IDF said Hezbollah also used weapons against Lebanese civilians.
Hezbollah and Hamas, members of Iran's so-called "axis of resistance," have killed over 300 American citizens, according to reports.
'We Want Land Invasion': Iran Mouthpiece Touts New Missile, Boasts Decades Of War Prep
#digital
The seized ***** nal of weapons, ranging in manufacturers from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia, China to homegrown producers in Lebanon and Gaza and even a ***** -era gun, were part of the war machinery used by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israeli civilians and the IDF since Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
The IDF said Hezbollah also used weapons against Lebanese civilians.
Hezbollah and Hamas, members of Iran's so-called "axis of resistance," have killed over 300 American citizens, according to reports.
'We Want Land Invasion': Iran Mouthpiece Touts New Missile, Boasts Decades Of War Prep
#digital
4 months ago
BEIRUT, June 29 (Reuters) - Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key ally of Hezbollah, on Monday slammed a U.S.-brokered agreement between Lebanon and Israel, warning it could lead to attempts to divide Lebanese and said it would not be implemented.
Israeli officials suggested the agreement would move forward in the coming days, but there were no immediate reports of any aspects of the deal being implemented on the ground. Israeli artillery shelled an area near the border in southern Lebanon on Monday, according to the Lebanese state news agency, and the sound of a drone buzzed over Beirut, Reuters reporters said.
In comments to Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper, Berri described Iran-U.S. talks as the only realistic opportunity to secure Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and that any attempt to separate Lebanon from the U.S.-Iran track would prolong Israeli occupation.
Israel has occupied a swathe of southern Lebanon in a war with Hezbollah that began on March 2, when the group opened fire at Israel after Iran came under U.S.-Israeli attack.
The Lebanon war has been a central part of diplomacy towards ending the wider U.S.-Iran conflict. Tehran has insisted on a Lebanon ceasefire as part of its interim deal with Washington, while the U.S. has sponsored separate talks between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, which Beirut has attended despite Hezbollah's objections.
Israeli officials suggested the agreement would move forward in the coming days, but there were no immediate reports of any aspects of the deal being implemented on the ground. Israeli artillery shelled an area near the border in southern Lebanon on Monday, according to the Lebanese state news agency, and the sound of a drone buzzed over Beirut, Reuters reporters said.
In comments to Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper, Berri described Iran-U.S. talks as the only realistic opportunity to secure Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and that any attempt to separate Lebanon from the U.S.-Iran track would prolong Israeli occupation.
Israel has occupied a swathe of southern Lebanon in a war with Hezbollah that began on March 2, when the group opened fire at Israel after Iran came under U.S.-Israeli attack.
The Lebanon war has been a central part of diplomacy towards ending the wider U.S.-Iran conflict. Tehran has insisted on a Lebanon ceasefire as part of its interim deal with Washington, while the U.S. has sponsored separate talks between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, which Beirut has attended despite Hezbollah's objections.
4 months ago
July WTI crude oil (CLN26) today is down -1.92 (-2.51%), and July RBOB gasoline (RBN26) is down -0.0276 (-0.92%).
Crude oil and gasoline prices gave up overnight gains and are sharply lower. Crude prices retreated today on signs of progress in US-Iran peace talks, including a waiver on some Iranian oil sanctions. Also, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is allowing crude supplies to flow, easing global oil supply concerns. Crude prices initially opened higher in overnight trade when Iran threatened to suspend talks and close the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and after President Trump threatened military action against Iran if Hezbollah militants continue to attack Israel.
Centrus Agreement Strengthens Oklo Stock's Nuclear AI Power Thesis
Nat-Gas Prices Climb as US Weather Forecasts Turn Hotter
Crude Oil Prices Retreat as Global Supply Fears Recede
Crude oil and gasoline prices gave up overnight gains and are sharply lower. Crude prices retreated today on signs of progress in US-Iran peace talks, including a waiver on some Iranian oil sanctions. Also, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is allowing crude supplies to flow, easing global oil supply concerns. Crude prices initially opened higher in overnight trade when Iran threatened to suspend talks and close the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and after President Trump threatened military action against Iran if Hezbollah militants continue to attack Israel.
Centrus Agreement Strengthens Oklo Stock's Nuclear AI Power Thesis
Nat-Gas Prices Climb as US Weather Forecasts Turn Hotter
Crude Oil Prices Retreat as Global Supply Fears Recede
4 months ago
The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.21%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.54%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.50%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) are up +0.20%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) are up +0.49%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today, with the Nasdaq 100 posting a 2.5-week high as the markets reopen after last Friday's holiday. Strength in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks is leading the overall market higher. Stock index futures initially weakened in overnight trade as crude oil prices jumped more than +2% when Iran threatened to suspend talks and close the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, President Trump threatened military action against Iran if Hezbollah militants continue to attack Israel.
Dear Microsoft Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for June 30
Micron Technology Earnings: Bull Put Spread Trade
Dear Walmart Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for June 22
Stock indexes are moving higher today, with the Nasdaq 100 posting a 2.5-week high as the markets reopen after last Friday's holiday. Strength in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks is leading the overall market higher. Stock index futures initially weakened in overnight trade as crude oil prices jumped more than +2% when Iran threatened to suspend talks and close the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, President Trump threatened military action against Iran if Hezbollah militants continue to attack Israel.
Dear Microsoft Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for June 30
Micron Technology Earnings: Bull Put Spread Trade
Dear Walmart Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for June 22
4 months ago
US stocks traded mixed on Monday as investors **** sed signs of progress in US-Iran peace talks, while shares of Elon Musk's **** eX (SPCX) fell for the third day in a row.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) gained roughly 0.4%, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) fell 0.3% after Friday's holiday stock market closure. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) dropped by 1.1% as Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) swung 5% lower.
Markets continued to monitor the ongoing peace negotiations between the US and Iran. Iran said on Monday that there has been "encouraging progress" in peace talks with the US in Switzerland and agreed to a roadmap for a final deal within 60 days. That eased some nerves over President Trump's threat of strikes on Iran if Tehran doesn't rein in Hezbollah's actions against Israel.
Oil prices fell as Trump's warning vied with hopes that the deal progress meant oil flows through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz could return to normality. Brent crude futures (BZ=F) slid 3% to just above $77 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) crude retreated to trade near $73 a barrel.
Also in focus were the prospects for AI demand growth, after SK Hynix (000660.KS) overtook Samsung (005930.KS) to become South Korea's most valuable listed company in a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the memory chipmaker.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) gained roughly 0.4%, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) fell 0.3% after Friday's holiday stock market closure. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) dropped by 1.1% as Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) swung 5% lower.
Markets continued to monitor the ongoing peace negotiations between the US and Iran. Iran said on Monday that there has been "encouraging progress" in peace talks with the US in Switzerland and agreed to a roadmap for a final deal within 60 days. That eased some nerves over President Trump's threat of strikes on Iran if Tehran doesn't rein in Hezbollah's actions against Israel.
Oil prices fell as Trump's warning vied with hopes that the deal progress meant oil flows through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz could return to normality. Brent crude futures (BZ=F) slid 3% to just above $77 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) crude retreated to trade near $73 a barrel.
Also in focus were the prospects for AI demand growth, after SK Hynix (000660.KS) overtook Samsung (005930.KS) to become South Korea's most valuable listed company in a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the memory chipmaker.
4 months ago
US stock futures hit pause on Monday as investors ***** sed signs of progress in US-Iran peace talks and prepared for a pivotal inflation report later this week.
Contracts on the S&P 500 (ES=F) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F) hovered near the flat line. But contracts on the Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) edged up 0.2% as Wall Street set up for a muted open after Friday's holiday closure.
The US and Iran made "encouraging progress" in peace talks in Switzerland, mediators said on Monday, and have agreed on a roadmap to sealing a final deal within 60 days. That eased some nerves prompted by President Trump's threat of strikes on Iran if Tehran doesn't rein in Hezbollah's actions against Israel.
Oil prices fell in ***** py action as Trump's warning vied with hopes that the deal progress meant oil flows through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz could return to normality. Brent crude futures (BZ=F) slid 1% to below $80 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) crude slipped slightly to trade near $76 a barrel.
Looking ahead, investors are gearing up for the May reading of the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge. Economists expect core PCE, which excludes food and energy costs, to show a modest acceleration from April levels when the report is released on Thursday.
Contracts on the S&P 500 (ES=F) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F) hovered near the flat line. But contracts on the Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) edged up 0.2% as Wall Street set up for a muted open after Friday's holiday closure.
The US and Iran made "encouraging progress" in peace talks in Switzerland, mediators said on Monday, and have agreed on a roadmap to sealing a final deal within 60 days. That eased some nerves prompted by President Trump's threat of strikes on Iran if Tehran doesn't rein in Hezbollah's actions against Israel.
Oil prices fell in ***** py action as Trump's warning vied with hopes that the deal progress meant oil flows through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz could return to normality. Brent crude futures (BZ=F) slid 1% to below $80 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) crude slipped slightly to trade near $76 a barrel.
Looking ahead, investors are gearing up for the May reading of the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge. Economists expect core PCE, which excludes food and energy costs, to show a modest acceleration from April levels when the report is released on Thursday.
4 months ago
Vice President JD Vance meets with officials from Pakistan, Qatar and Iran for talks in Lucerne, Switzerland as Iran threatened to close down the Strait of Hormuz after Israel's strikes on Lebanon. NBC News' Keir Simmons and Gary Grumbach report on President Donald Trump's intentions to reset relations with Tehran and his threats to attack again if the Hezbollah and Israel conflict escalates.
4 months ago
By Laila Bassam, Pesha Magid and Steve Holland
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON, June 19 (Reuters) - Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire on Friday, a U.S. official said, after an escalation in hostilities in Lebanon sorely tested the U.S.-Iranian interim deal to end the wider Middle East conflict.
A senior Israeli official and two Hezbollah sources confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters, which the U.S. official said was due to begin at 4 p.m. (1300 GMT)
"If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war," the Israeli official said. Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon, the official added.
Two Lebanese security sources said Israel carried out a dozen airstrikes in the first hour after the ceasefire came into effect, but none were recorded after 5 p.m.
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON, June 19 (Reuters) - Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire on Friday, a U.S. official said, after an escalation in hostilities in Lebanon sorely tested the U.S.-Iranian interim deal to end the wider Middle East conflict.
A senior Israeli official and two Hezbollah sources confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters, which the U.S. official said was due to begin at 4 p.m. (1300 GMT)
"If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war," the Israeli official said. Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon, the official added.
Two Lebanese security sources said Israel carried out a dozen airstrikes in the first hour after the ceasefire came into effect, but none were recorded after 5 p.m.
4 months ago
(Oil & Gas 360) – This week marked a notable shift in market sentiment. For months, energy markets were focused on disruption, conflict, and supply risk.
Now, attention is turning toward reopening trade routes, restoring production, and **** sing whether the world is moving from a supply crisis toward a period of greater abundance. Prices moved lower, but capital continued flowing toward oil, gas, LNG, and power infrastructure, suggesting the industry remains focused on long-term demand growth.
Brent crude declined after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire, while the U.S.–Iran both digitally signed a memorandum of understanding on ending the war, although a planned meeting on Friday in Switzerland was postponed. President Trump earlier in the week defended the deal, saying he wanted to avoid an economic catastrophe. Meanwhile, Iran resumed exports, reportedly shipping 20 million barrels following the agreement.
Why it matters:
Markets are removing some of the geopolitical risk premium that drove prices higher earlier this year. The focus is shifting from disruption to how quickly supply can return.
Momentum continued building around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as tanker traffic resumed and shipping flows gradually normalized, although questions grow over Iran's transit terms.
Now, attention is turning toward reopening trade routes, restoring production, and **** sing whether the world is moving from a supply crisis toward a period of greater abundance. Prices moved lower, but capital continued flowing toward oil, gas, LNG, and power infrastructure, suggesting the industry remains focused on long-term demand growth.
Brent crude declined after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire, while the U.S.–Iran both digitally signed a memorandum of understanding on ending the war, although a planned meeting on Friday in Switzerland was postponed. President Trump earlier in the week defended the deal, saying he wanted to avoid an economic catastrophe. Meanwhile, Iran resumed exports, reportedly shipping 20 million barrels following the agreement.
Why it matters:
Markets are removing some of the geopolitical risk premium that drove prices higher earlier this year. The focus is shifting from disruption to how quickly supply can return.
Momentum continued building around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as tanker traffic resumed and shipping flows gradually normalized, although questions grow over Iran's transit terms.
4 months ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House said Thursday night that Vice President JD Vance was delaying a trip to Switzerland, where he'd been set to lead a new round of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program — raising questions about what's next for the tentative agreement to end the war.
The team led by Vance had been ready to leave but was postponing, the White House said, citing difficult logistics for negotiations. The announcement followed a report from Al-Mayadeen, a pan-Arab satellite channel that is politically allied with the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, that Iran was delaying sending its delegation to Switzerland over Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon.
Vance, who was initially personally skeptical of the U.S. going to war with Iran, has increasingly become the administration's face of the conflict and has been outspoken in defending the deal.
Earlier Thursday, he took the relatively unusual step of appearing at the White House to defend the initial deal to extend the ceasefire 60 days and allow for more negotiating — arguing that while it offers concessions, Iran first has to comply with U.S. demands.
"As they dial up their good behavior, we can dial up the economic relief," Vance said. "If they dial down their good behavior, we can turn it off."
The team led by Vance had been ready to leave but was postponing, the White House said, citing difficult logistics for negotiations. The announcement followed a report from Al-Mayadeen, a pan-Arab satellite channel that is politically allied with the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, that Iran was delaying sending its delegation to Switzerland over Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon.
Vance, who was initially personally skeptical of the U.S. going to war with Iran, has increasingly become the administration's face of the conflict and has been outspoken in defending the deal.
Earlier Thursday, he took the relatively unusual step of appearing at the White House to defend the initial deal to extend the ceasefire 60 days and allow for more negotiating — arguing that while it offers concessions, Iran first has to comply with U.S. demands.
"As they dial up their good behavior, we can dial up the economic relief," Vance said. "If they dial down their good behavior, we can turn it off."
4 months ago
By Caroline Valetkevitch
NEW YORK, June 18 (Reuters) - Major stock indexes climbed on Thursday as semiconductor shares jumped, while Brent oil touched its lowest level in weeks before finishing slightly higher.
An interim deal between the United States and Iran to end the Middle East war took effect, and oil tankers sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, pointing to a resumption of long restricted energy flows.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, however, warned Israel against further attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising doubts about the durability of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.
Brent crude futures gained 30 cents, or 0.38%, to settle at $79.85 a barrel after sliding as low as $76.54 earlier in the session. U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 19 cents or 0.25% to finish at $76.60 a barrel.
NEW YORK, June 18 (Reuters) - Major stock indexes climbed on Thursday as semiconductor shares jumped, while Brent oil touched its lowest level in weeks before finishing slightly higher.
An interim deal between the United States and Iran to end the Middle East war took effect, and oil tankers sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, pointing to a resumption of long restricted energy flows.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, however, warned Israel against further attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising doubts about the durability of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.
Brent crude futures gained 30 cents, or 0.38%, to settle at $79.85 a barrel after sliding as low as $76.54 earlier in the session. U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 19 cents or 0.25% to finish at $76.60 a barrel.
5 months ago
Oil prices pared gains early Monday after jumping amid strikes between Iran and Israel, after the latter targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon. The S&P 500 gained steam as President Donald Trump's efforts to restrain both countries and keep ceasefire negotiations on track seem to be working.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the end of military operations vs. Israel but warned of "harsher and more devastating strikes" if Lebanon attacks resume. That follows Trump's Truth Social post saying that things should move quickly to a final deal that lifts oil blockades, unless "ignorance or stupidity (get) in its way."
Crude oil prices rose 0.8% from Friday afternoon levels to $91.29 a barrel, but came way off morning highs of $95.47, according to CME Group data. Near-month oil futures traded above $100 as recently as May 19. Markets now show futures prices falling close to $80 a barrel for December delivery and near $75 by next June. That compares with prices below $70 before war broke out on Feb. 28.
Benchmark crude oil prices in Europe rose 1.4% to $94.40, after earlier trading near $98. Brent crude traded above $110 on May 19, according to Intercontinental Exchange data.
Trump had sought to dissuade Israel from retaliating after Iran launched missiles, saying that the "Iranian strikes didn't hurt anybody." Israel fired at an Iranian petrochemical complex, but the strikes were characterized by Axios as "relatively limited."
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the end of military operations vs. Israel but warned of "harsher and more devastating strikes" if Lebanon attacks resume. That follows Trump's Truth Social post saying that things should move quickly to a final deal that lifts oil blockades, unless "ignorance or stupidity (get) in its way."
Crude oil prices rose 0.8% from Friday afternoon levels to $91.29 a barrel, but came way off morning highs of $95.47, according to CME Group data. Near-month oil futures traded above $100 as recently as May 19. Markets now show futures prices falling close to $80 a barrel for December delivery and near $75 by next June. That compares with prices below $70 before war broke out on Feb. 28.
Benchmark crude oil prices in Europe rose 1.4% to $94.40, after earlier trading near $98. Brent crude traded above $110 on May 19, according to Intercontinental Exchange data.
Trump had sought to dissuade Israel from retaliating after Iran launched missiles, saying that the "Iranian strikes didn't hurt anybody." Israel fired at an Iranian petrochemical complex, but the strikes were characterized by Axios as "relatively limited."
5 months ago
By Phil Stewart, Maya Gebeily and Tala Ramadan
WASHINGTON/BEIRUT/DUBAI, June 9 (Reuters) - Israel struck the historic port city of Tyre in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least eight people, in an escalation that adds strain to efforts to broker a peace deal to end the wider Middle East war.
On Monday, Israel and Iran halted direct attacks on each other after an appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump, but Tehran warned it would resume hostilities if Israel continued to attack its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The raids were the deadliest on Tyre since fighting erupted in Lebanon in early March, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in support of Tehran after Israel and the United States began their war against Iran.
Israel had issued an evacuation order for the city earlier on Tuesday. Residents fled and civil defence teams transported elderly residents into temporary shelters, state media reported. The eight victims were killed in a single strike on the city's eastern edge, Lebanon's health ministry said.
WASHINGTON/BEIRUT/DUBAI, June 9 (Reuters) - Israel struck the historic port city of Tyre in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least eight people, in an escalation that adds strain to efforts to broker a peace deal to end the wider Middle East war.
On Monday, Israel and Iran halted direct attacks on each other after an appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump, but Tehran warned it would resume hostilities if Israel continued to attack its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The raids were the deadliest on Tyre since fighting erupted in Lebanon in early March, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in support of Tehran after Israel and the United States began their war against Iran.
Israel had issued an evacuation order for the city earlier on Tuesday. Residents fled and civil defence teams transported elderly residents into temporary shelters, state media reported. The eight victims were killed in a single strike on the city's eastern edge, Lebanon's health ministry said.
5 months ago
New details from Iran's top diplomat about the strike that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei provide some of the clearest evidence yet of the precision and strategy behind the joint U.S.-Israeli operation that launched Operation Epic Fury, counterterrorism experts said Sunday.
The account, revealed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a new television interview, also highlights what ****** ysts describe as a defining feature of President Donald Trump's national security doctrine: using a decapitation strike against a hostile regime while simultaneously creating an off-ramp to end the conflict.
"Well, the building we were sitting in was targeted, but the wing we were in remained intact while the other wing of the building was destroyed," Araghchi said in an interview that aired June 4 on the Lebanon-based, Hezbollah-backed Al Mayadeen television network.
While Araghchi survived the Feb. 28 strike because he was in a different wing of Khamenei's compound when the attack occurred, he went on to detail how Khamenei was in his office and how others survived.
Before-and-after Satellite Imagery Offers A Rare Look At Damage Inside Iran
The account, revealed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a new television interview, also highlights what ****** ysts describe as a defining feature of President Donald Trump's national security doctrine: using a decapitation strike against a hostile regime while simultaneously creating an off-ramp to end the conflict.
"Well, the building we were sitting in was targeted, but the wing we were in remained intact while the other wing of the building was destroyed," Araghchi said in an interview that aired June 4 on the Lebanon-based, Hezbollah-backed Al Mayadeen television network.
While Araghchi survived the Feb. 28 strike because he was in a different wing of Khamenei's compound when the attack occurred, he went on to detail how Khamenei was in his office and how others survived.
Before-and-after Satellite Imagery Offers A Rare Look At Damage Inside Iran
5 months ago
By Alexander Cornwell, Parisa Hafezi and Bo Erickson
BEIRUT/DUBAI/NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey, June 7 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he would tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike back after Iran fired a salvo of missiles at Israeli targets in retaliation for an attack on the outskirts of Beirut, news outlet Axios reported.
Iran has long said any peace deal with the U.S. would depend on a ceasefire also holding in Lebanon, which Israel invaded in March in pursuit of Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters who fired rockets and drones across the border in solidarity with Tehran.
But Israel earlier on Sunday launched strikes in the Beirut area for the first time since the U.S. announced a truce plan for Lebanon last week.
The Israeli military later said it had identified missiles launched from Iran and that its defense systems had intercepted them. Details on whether Israel suffered any damage were not yet available.
BEIRUT/DUBAI/NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey, June 7 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he would tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike back after Iran fired a salvo of missiles at Israeli targets in retaliation for an attack on the outskirts of Beirut, news outlet Axios reported.
Iran has long said any peace deal with the U.S. would depend on a ceasefire also holding in Lebanon, which Israel invaded in March in pursuit of Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters who fired rockets and drones across the border in solidarity with Tehran.
But Israel earlier on Sunday launched strikes in the Beirut area for the first time since the U.S. announced a truce plan for Lebanon last week.
The Israeli military later said it had identified missiles launched from Iran and that its defense systems had intercepted them. Details on whether Israel suffered any damage were not yet available.
5 months ago
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States said Monday that it bombed radar and drone sites in Iran after Tehran shot down an American drone over the weekend. Iran then said it targeted American soldiers in Kuwait with missiles, which the U.S. says it shot down.
The nominal ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. has been repeatedly tested with back-and-forth attacks, though officials from both countries are still trying to negotiate an end to the war. It’s not clear how close they are to a deal — and there is always the risk that an attack could derail those talks.
Fighting has also been escalating between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, despite their nominal ceasefire, and that has increasingly threatened the emerging deal to extend the Iran war ceasefire.
On Monday afternoon U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to dial back their fighting after he held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and communicated with Hezbollah through mediators. Moments later, though, Israel said it had detected missile launches from Lebanon and warned Israelis in part of northern Israel to take cover in protected **** es.
Meantime, Iran maintained its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies and driving up the price of fuel around the world, with far-reaching consequences. A cargo ship came under attack off Iraq Monday afternoon, the British military said.
The nominal ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. has been repeatedly tested with back-and-forth attacks, though officials from both countries are still trying to negotiate an end to the war. It’s not clear how close they are to a deal — and there is always the risk that an attack could derail those talks.
Fighting has also been escalating between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, despite their nominal ceasefire, and that has increasingly threatened the emerging deal to extend the Iran war ceasefire.
On Monday afternoon U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to dial back their fighting after he held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and communicated with Hezbollah through mediators. Moments later, though, Israel said it had detected missile launches from Lebanon and warned Israelis in part of northern Israel to take cover in protected **** es.
Meantime, Iran maintained its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies and driving up the price of fuel around the world, with far-reaching consequences. A cargo ship came under attack off Iraq Monday afternoon, the British military said.
5 months ago
US stocks moved modestly higher on Tuesday as investors ******* sed new jobs data and weighed the latest developments in the Middle East and in artificial intelligence.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) added 0.3%, while the benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC) advanced 0.2%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) climbed 0.2%, building on Monday’s record highs.
Alphabet (GOOG) stock edged lower after the company said it aims to raise $80 billion to realize its AI infrastructure plans. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), meanwhile, reported a record quarter driven by AI data center expansion, sending its stock up more than 20%.
Sentiment improved throughout the morning on Tuesday, following record highs for the major indexes, as prospects of a peace deal in the Middle East remained in focus. On Monday, President Trump intervened in a news cycle that was pointing to a breakdown in US-Iran negotiations, announcing Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop attacks. Shortly after, the president added that talks with Iran were continuing “at a rapid pace.”
Oil prices eased, with Brent crude (BZ=F) oil futures falling 0.3% to trade near $94 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude (CL=F) futures dropped below $92 a barrel.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) added 0.3%, while the benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC) advanced 0.2%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) climbed 0.2%, building on Monday’s record highs.
Alphabet (GOOG) stock edged lower after the company said it aims to raise $80 billion to realize its AI infrastructure plans. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), meanwhile, reported a record quarter driven by AI data center expansion, sending its stock up more than 20%.
Sentiment improved throughout the morning on Tuesday, following record highs for the major indexes, as prospects of a peace deal in the Middle East remained in focus. On Monday, President Trump intervened in a news cycle that was pointing to a breakdown in US-Iran negotiations, announcing Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop attacks. Shortly after, the president added that talks with Iran were continuing “at a rapid pace.”
Oil prices eased, with Brent crude (BZ=F) oil futures falling 0.3% to trade near $94 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude (CL=F) futures dropped below $92 a barrel.
5 months ago
President Trump reportedly took Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to task during a Monday phone call over the latter’s military campaign in Lebanon.
Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials and a third source briefed on the call, that Trump called Netanyahu “crazy” and accused him of ingratitude.
At one point, Trump reportedly yelled at Netanyahu, “What the f— are you doing?”
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.
Earlier Monday, Netanyahu ordered the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to strike Hezbollah targets in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut. Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in fighting since October 2023, despite a ceasefire that began in November 2024.
Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials and a third source briefed on the call, that Trump called Netanyahu “crazy” and accused him of ingratitude.
At one point, Trump reportedly yelled at Netanyahu, “What the f— are you doing?”
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.
Earlier Monday, Netanyahu ordered the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to strike Hezbollah targets in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut. Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in fighting since October 2023, despite a ceasefire that began in November 2024.
5 months ago
Hezbollah has begun unleashing "game changing" waves of "lethal" nighttime drones against Israel, a defense expert warns, with the attacks contributing to casualties, defense breaches and plunging parts of the border region into chaos, according to reports.
Escalating deployments by Hezbollah had also prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convene an emergency security meeting on May 30 following a surprise Hezbollah strike, amid reports of "utter chaos" as Israeli forces scrambled to respond.
"These nighttime drones are the very small Category 1 and Category 2 drones," defense expert and Draganfly CEO Cameron Chell told Fox News Digital.
"They are generally used by squads on the ground to go and conduct tactical lethal missions or surveillance missions right in theater immediately. What they are able to do is use thermal sensors to be able to fly at night and use heat signatures to spot IDF troops," he said.
Israel Says It Is Striking Hezbollah Targets In Lebanon
Escalating deployments by Hezbollah had also prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convene an emergency security meeting on May 30 following a surprise Hezbollah strike, amid reports of "utter chaos" as Israeli forces scrambled to respond.
"These nighttime drones are the very small Category 1 and Category 2 drones," defense expert and Draganfly CEO Cameron Chell told Fox News Digital.
"They are generally used by squads on the ground to go and conduct tactical lethal missions or surveillance missions right in theater immediately. What they are able to do is use thermal sensors to be able to fly at night and use heat signatures to spot IDF troops," he said.
Israel Says It Is Striking Hezbollah Targets In Lebanon
9 months ago
Photos of Shiite Muslims displaced from Syria living at a newly opened camp in Lebanon
HERMEL, Lebanon (AP) — Thousands of Shiite Muslims who fled Syria after former President Bashar ****** ad's government was toppled in an offensive by Sunni rebels in December 2024 have found a new home in Lebanon.
Many of them stayed in mosques, schools or with relatives in Lebanon until the Imam Ali Housing Compound — funded by Lebanon's Shiite militant Hezbollah group and Shiite religious institutions in Iraq and Iran — was opened in late 2025. The camp, in the northeastern Lebanese town of Hermel, has
HERMEL, Lebanon (AP) — Thousands of Shiite Muslims who fled Syria after former President Bashar ****** ad's government was toppled in an offensive by Sunni rebels in December 2024 have found a new home in Lebanon.
Many of them stayed in mosques, schools or with relatives in Lebanon until the Imam Ali Housing Compound — funded by Lebanon's Shiite militant Hezbollah group and Shiite religious institutions in Iraq and Iran — was opened in late 2025. The camp, in the northeastern Lebanese town of Hermel, has
1 yr. ago
Trump already warned about this under Biden, appeasement leads to escalation. Iran feels emboldened, Hezbollah’s threats grow, and now U.S. troops are in the crosshairs again. Under Trump, Soleimani was taken out and the region knew we meant business. Peace deals were happening,
