Morning update

Good morning, Middle East Eye readers. 

Efforts to secure a US-Iran agreement face a crucial test after US forces carried out strikes in southern Iran while negotiators from Tehran travelled to Qatar for fresh talks. Washington says the attacks were conducted in self-defence, while Iranian officials insist progress in negotiations does not mean a deal is imminent.

Meanwhile, tensions are rising sharply in Lebanon, where Israel is threatening stronger action despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the wider conflict.

Here are the latest developments: 

• US forces carried out strikes on missile launch sites and vessels in southern Iran, describing the attacks as self-defence measures.

• Iranian negotiators are in Qatar for talks aimed at resolving remaining disputes in a potential agreement with Washington.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a deal with Iran remains possible within days despite the latest strikes.

• Trump says any agreement must address Iran’s uranium stockpile and warns there will be no deal unless key conditions are met.

• Iran says it will not yield to US pressure and insists negotiations must respect its rights and interests

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders increased military pressure on Hezbollah and says Israel remains at war with the group.

• Israeli strikes continue across Lebanon, with reports that at least 17 people were killed in attacks on Monday.

• Residents are leaving southern Beirut amid fears of a major escalation and possible new Israeli operations.

• China and Pakistan back a five-point plan aimed at reducing tensions and promoting regional stability.

• Pakistan’s defence minister rejects suggestions that Islamabad could join the Abraham Accords as part of a broader regional agreement.

• Northern Israeli authorities close schools and increase security measures as tensions along the Lebanon front continue to rise.