Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz and launched attacks on Kuwaiti military facilities as tensions escalate ahead of planned diplomatic talks in Pakistan, with Tehran demanding a Lebanon ceasefire and asset releases before negotiations begin.

Iranian Attacks Expand Beyond Hormuz

Kuwait’s National Guard confirmed Iranian forces targeted multiple facilities, injuring personnel and causing significant material damage. Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan, a Kuwaiti military spokesman, detailed the attacks through social media. Iran’s army headquarters issued a statement vowing the United States and Israel will not escape punishment for strikes against Iranian territory. Tehran maintains it will keep control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil passes daily.

Lebanon Ceasefire Talks Hit Roadblock

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared that Lebanon must achieve a ceasefire and Iran must receive its blocked assets before diplomatic negotiations commence in Pakistan. The demands create new hurdles for international mediators seeking to de-escalate the crisis. Meanwhile, Israeli operations in southern Lebanon intensified, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removing Spanish representatives from coordination centers after Spain criticized Israeli military actions. Twelve Lebanese state security personnel died in Israeli strikes on Nabatieh, prompting condemnation from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Southern Lebanon

Amnesty International reported civilians trapped in southern Lebanon cannot access food, water, or safe passage as Israeli forces establish security zones. The human rights organization cited residents who say humanitarian convoys have nearly stopped amid Israeli bombardment of bridges and evacuation routes. Israel issued sweeping evacuation orders after Hezbollah fired rockets from the region last month. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem vowed resistance will continue and rejected returning to previous conditions, praising militia efforts during more than 40 days of conflict.

Trump Criticizes Tehran’s Actions

President Donald Trump stated Iran was doing a poor job reopening the Strait of Hormuz as the ceasefire showed strain. The strategic waterway remains closed, disrupting global oil shipments and raising economic concerns worldwide. Iran’s army announced plans to deliver a crushing response if Israel continues attacking Hezbollah and Lebanese civilians, escalating rhetoric as diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction. The mounting humanitarian toll and expanding military operations signal the conflict may worsen before negotiations achieve meaningful progress.