Iran war day 98: Tehran raises doubts on deal as Lebanon fighting continues | US-Israel war on Iran News
Israel Continues Strikes in Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Efforts; Death Toll Exceeds 3,500
By Elizabeth Melimopoulos – Published June 5, 2026
Israel has conducted ongoing military strikes in Lebanon, despite a newly announced ceasefire agreement facilitated by U.S. officials and the Lebanese and Israeli governments. The renewed violence has exacerbated an already dire situation, with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reporting at least 3,526 fatalities and over 10,700 injuries since March 2.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has denounced the ceasefire as ineffective, labeling it a “farce.” He warned that northern Israel will remain a target as long as Israeli airstrikes continue. This dismissal raises serious doubts about the likelihood of a lasting cessation of hostilities.
Developments in the Region
Concerns from Iran: Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, expressed apprehension regarding a draft memorandum aimed at ending the conflict. He stated on Iranian state television that the draft still contains uncertainties that need addressing. Rezaei further accused U.S. President Donald Trump of attempting to coerce Tehran into accepting American terms.
U.S. Strategy Under Scrutiny: Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett reported from Washington, D.C., that the White House faces increasing skepticism regarding the necessity of a negotiated deal with Iran. Critics have questioned the rationale for diplomacy given Trump’s claims of having effectively neutralized Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The ongoing warfare and stalled negotiations create challenges for the administration in reconciling its assertions of military success with the continued push for peace talks.
Hezbollah’s Demands: Qassem rejected a limited truce brokered in the U.S., insisting on a complete cessation of hostilities and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. Both parties have accused one another of violating a previous ceasefire established in April, further complicating peace efforts.
Regional Developments
Oman Oil Terminal Shut: Oman has halted crude oil loading operations at the Mina al-Fahal terminal following an explosion attributed to a drone attack near its single-buoy mooring berths, according to Reuters.
Updates from the United States
Trump on Iran’s Uranium: President Trump stated that the U.S. could access Iran’s enriched uranium without formal negotiations, claiming the material is “effectively entombed.” While he ruled out a meeting with Khamenei, he hinted that a future meeting could be possible under different circumstances.
Latest from Israel
Protests Over Military Conscription: Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Israelis blocked Highway 1 in protest against the government’s enforcement of military conscription for religious students. Demonstrations escalated after police intervened with two ultra-Orthodox students, leading to significant police presence to disperse protesters.
Situation in Lebanon
Potential for Escalation: In Beirut, Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem reported that Hezbollah remains a dominant force in decisions regarding conflict with Israel. The group’s rejection of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire raises concerns about further escalation, with significant Israeli military actions reported in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa Valley. Hashem warned that the situation could deteriorate in the days ahead.
As the conflict continues, the prospects for a humane resolution remain uncertain, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
