Hezbollah warns Israel to leave Lebanon as US-Iran peace deal brings fresh regional tensions

Hezbollah’s chief has warned Israel to withdraw from Lebanon “unconditionally” following the US-Iran peace agreement, while describing the deal as a “declaration of defeat” for both the United States and Israel, AFP reported.

The statement comes amid wider developments in the Middle East, with the interim US-Iran agreement raising questions over nuclear inspections, regional security and maritime tensions.

IAEA says deal allows access to Iran nuclear sites

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said the interim US-Iran peace accord allows International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to access Iranian nuclear facilities.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Friday that inspections would be necessary to ensure compliance with the agreement, after Tehran indicated that some key sites could remain restricted until a final agreement with Washington is reached and sanctions are lifted.

“There is an agreement and to comply with that agreement, the IAEA will have to have access and inspect,” Grossi said at a news conference in Japan. “We hope to be there soon.”

Vessel hit near Oman amid shipping tensions

Meanwhile, a vessel was struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman after several tankers travelled through a UN-backed route on Thursday, according to the British military.

The incident has raised concerns over maritime safety in the Persian Gulf. The International Maritime Organization said plans to move stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz would remain paused until safety guarantees for vessels and the region are confirmed.

US accuses Iran of drone attack

The reported strike came shortly after Iran warned ships against using the route through the strait without Tehran’s permission.

The attacked vessel, merchant ship Ever Lovely, was not part of the evacuation effort, said Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization.

A US official told The Associated Press that the vessel was hit by an Iranian drone allegedly operated by Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

The developments come as the region continues to navigate the impact of the US-Iran peace agreement, with nuclear oversight, sanctions relief and security issues remaining key points of discussion.