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Lebanon

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Lebanon. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Beirut

Head of State

Vacant

Head of Government

Prime Minister Najib Mikati

Smoke billows from southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Middle East

Lebanon and Israel extend ceasefire despite new strikes

The US State Department will soon hold further negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent political agreement between the two countries.

16 May 2026 - 4:08AM

Middle East

US casts first day of Israel-Lebanon talks as ‘positive’

15 May 2026 - 10:39AM

Middle East

Israel strikes Lebanon as 380 reported killed since April 17 ceasefire

13 May 2026 - 11:43AM

Middle East

Israeli soldiers jailed for desecration of Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon

Viral photo shows an Israeli soldier with his arm around statue, holding a cigarette up to its mouth.

12 May 2026 - 12:22PM

An IDF soldier appearing to put a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary. Photo: Reuters

Israel

Israel’s election may end the Netanyahu era but not the ‘forever wars’

After nearly two decades and six terms in office, Israel’s prime minister could be on his way out. But little looks likely to change.

11 May 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Playing games’: Trump calls Iran’s response to US peace proposal ‘unacceptable’

Both sides remain far apart as Tehran demands war reparations and control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran state TV.

11 May 2026 - 10:57AM

US, Israel war on Iran

New Israel-Lebanon talks to try to curb Hezbollah influence in region: Rubio

Marco Rubio says Washington is also awaiting Iran’s response to a new US proposal to end the conflict in the region.

9 May 2026 - 4:56AM

First responders arrive at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Habbouch on Thursday. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes Iranian tanker amid reports Washington and Tehran near deal

Trump reiterated that Iran ‘cannot have a nuclear weapon’ as both sides combined military pressure with diplomatic efforts to end deadlock.

7 May 2026 - 4:29AMvideocam

Middle East

Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Lebanon ceasefire

The first aerial attack on the capital since April kills a senior Hezbollah commander.

7 May 2026 - 10:47AM

Diplomacy

Strait of Hormuz woes, US-Nato ‘crisis’: 7 global relations reads

From a possible Trump-Iran joint venture to Russia-China talks, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in April 2026.

4 May 2026 - 10:30PM

An Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy speedboat approaches the cargo ship Epaminondas during what state media described as the seizure of one of two vessels accused of violations in the Strait of Hormuz on April 21. Photo: Tasnim News Agency via AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says US will ‘guide’ ships out of Hormuz, as vessels attacked

US to launch new mission dubbed ‘Project Freedom’ as Tehran signals interference would be seen as a ceasefire violation.

4 May 2026 - 1:17PMvideocam

The USS Michael Murphy patrolling the Arabian Sea during a maritime blockade in April. Photo: US Navy via AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran will not accept ‘imposed’ peace, Trump not satisfied with negotiations

US lawmakers are pressuring the President to resolve the war, while Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is attempting to ease the war’s toll on Iran’s economy.

2 May 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Middle East

Hezbollah’s cheap drones pose challenge for Israel – like ‘children’s toys’

The militant group is using devices linked to their launch site by a thin fibre-optic cable that can stretch for dozens of kilometres.

2 May 2026 - 2:48PM

Brics

Iran war tests India’s Brics leadership as ‘political relevance’ questions mount

With Brics members Iran and the UAE as belligerents, the bloc has failed to reach a common position on the Middle East conflict.

30 Apr 2026 - 7:49PMvideocam

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi chats with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during the 2025 Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro last July. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | US-Iran ceasefire can’t paper over fires in the Strait of Hormuz

The US blockade is war by another name and must end. Two other things must change for the Iran ceasefire to become genuine diplomacy.

29 Apr 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near the Touska on April 20 after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the United States accused of attempting to violate the US naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: US Navy/TNS

Middle East

Lebanese minister backs Hezbollah disarmament, but warns it will take time

Haneen Sayed in Washington says the process must be gradual as a ceasefire continues to be marred by deadly violations.

28 Apr 2026 - 5:39PM

Middle East

Lebanon reports bloodiest day since ceasefire as Israel targets Hezbollah

Ceasefire has reduced but not stopped attacks, as Hezbollah vows to keep fighting Israeli troops in Lebanon.

27 Apr 2026 - 9:32AM

Middle East

New Israeli strikes reported in Lebanon after Netanyahu orders attacks

The Israeli army has accused Hezbollah militants of breaching the recently extended ceasefire between the two countries.

26 Apr 2026 - 6:16AM

Smoke rises over the southern Lebanese village of Taybeh on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Israel-Gaza war

Palestinians bury pregnant woman and 2 of her children killed in Gaza

The woman – who was expecting twins – and the children, aged 4 and 13, were among at least 13 to die during the latest truce air strikes.

25 Apr 2026 - 10:57PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks

The US president says he sees ‘great chance’ of a peace deal between the two countries this year after White House talks went ‘very well’.

24 Apr 2026 - 4:38PMvideocam

Middle East

Lebanon to confront Israel over demolition of homes since ceasefire

Lebanese officials plan to raise the issue of widespread demolitions at a new round of talks Thursday in Washington.

23 Apr 2026 - 3:41PM

Destroyed houses in the southern Lebanon village of Beit Lif. Photo: Xinhua

France

Second French peacekeeper dies in Lebanon after ambush blamed on Hezbollah

Anicet Girardin is the third French soldier to die since the start of the fighting in the Middle East.

22 Apr 2026 - 10:48PM

A French contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon patrols the area as displaced residents waving Hezbollah flags make their way back to their homes on a makeshift road, in the southern Lebanese area of Al-Qasmiyeh on Saturday. Photo: TNS

Weddings

Meet Claudia Doumit, who just married her The Boys co-star Jack Quaid

The Scandal and New Girl actress wed the actor – whose parents are Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid – in a star-studded ceremony in her native Australia.

22 Apr 2026 - 6:00PM

Middle East

Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire, testing Lebanon truce as talks loom

The incidents are among several that have occurred since a 10-day Lebanon ceasefire came into effect last Thursday.

22 Apr 2026 - 3:10PM

Israel

Israel jails soldiers for vandalising Jesus statue in Lebanon

Both the soldier who smashed the sculpture with a sledgehammer and the one who photographed the act will receive military detention.

22 Apr 2026 - 1:28PM

An Israeli soldier damages the head of a statue of Jesus, in Debel, Lebanon. Photo: Social media via Reuters

US-China relations

Trump extends Iran ceasefire, claims interception of ‘gift from China’

Strait blockade stays as US seizes vessel said to be carrying ammunition for Iran; Beijing denies role and talks face fresh doubt.

22 Apr 2026 - 8:05AMvideocam

146

Cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

US and Iran warn they are ready for war as clock ticks on ceasefire end

As talks remain in limbo, a key Iranian figure says the Islamic Republic is ready to ‘show new cards on the battlefield’.

21 Apr 2026 - 4:03PMvideocam

Middle East

Defying Hezbollah, Lebanon’s president seeks end to hostilities with Israel talks

Ambassadors are set to meet in Washington on Thursday as President Aoun hopes to ‘save Lebanon’ amid a fragile ceasefire.

21 Apr 2026 - 7:41PM

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Lebanon

Lebanon and Israel extend ceasefire despite new strikes

The US State Department will soon hold further negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent political agreement between the two countries.

US casts first day of Israel-Lebanon talks as ‘positive’

Israel strikes Lebanon as 380 reported killed since April 17 ceasefire

Israeli soldiers jailed for desecration of Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon

Viral photo shows an Israeli soldier with his arm around statue, holding a cigarette up to its mouth.

Israel’s election may end the Netanyahu era but not the ‘forever wars’

After nearly two decades and six terms in office, Israel’s prime minister could be on his way out. But little looks likely to change.

‘Playing games’: Trump calls Iran’s response to US peace proposal ‘unacceptable’

Both sides remain far apart as Tehran demands war reparations and control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran state TV.

New Israel-Lebanon talks to try to curb Hezbollah influence in region: Rubio

Marco Rubio says Washington is also awaiting Iran’s response to a new US proposal to end the conflict in the region.

US strikes Iranian tanker amid reports Washington and Tehran near deal

Trump reiterated that Iran ‘cannot have a nuclear weapon’ as both sides combined military pressure with diplomatic efforts to end deadlock.

Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Lebanon ceasefire

The first aerial attack on the capital since April kills a senior Hezbollah commander.

Strait of Hormuz woes, US-Nato ‘crisis’: 7 global relations reads

From a possible Trump-Iran joint venture to Russia-China talks, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in April 2026.

Trump says US will ‘guide’ ships out of Hormuz, as vessels attacked

US to launch new mission dubbed ‘Project Freedom’ as Tehran signals interference would be seen as a ceasefire violation.

Iran will not accept ‘imposed’ peace, Trump not satisfied with negotiations

US lawmakers are pressuring the President to resolve the war, while Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is attempting to ease the war’s toll on Iran’s economy.

Hezbollah’s cheap drones pose challenge for Israel – like ‘children’s toys’

The militant group is using devices linked to their launch site by a thin fibre-optic cable that can stretch for dozens of kilometres.

Iran war tests India’s Brics leadership as ‘political relevance’ questions mount

With Brics members Iran and the UAE as belligerents, the bloc has failed to reach a common position on the Middle East conflict.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | US-Iran ceasefire can’t paper over fires in the Strait of Hormuz

The US blockade is war by another name and must end. Two other things must change for the Iran ceasefire to become genuine diplomacy.

Lebanese minister backs Hezbollah disarmament, but warns it will take time

Haneen Sayed in Washington says the process must be gradual as a ceasefire continues to be marred by deadly violations.

Lebanon reports bloodiest day since ceasefire as Israel targets Hezbollah

Ceasefire has reduced but not stopped attacks, as Hezbollah vows to keep fighting Israeli troops in Lebanon.

New Israeli strikes reported in Lebanon after Netanyahu orders attacks

The Israeli army has accused Hezbollah militants of breaching the recently extended ceasefire between the two countries.

Palestinians bury pregnant woman and 2 of her children killed in Gaza

The woman – who was expecting twins – and the children, aged 4 and 13, were among at least 13 to die during the latest truce air strikes.

Trump says Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks

The US president says he sees ‘great chance’ of a peace deal between the two countries this year after White House talks went ‘very well’.

Lebanon to confront Israel over demolition of homes since ceasefire

Lebanese officials plan to raise the issue of widespread demolitions at a new round of talks Thursday in Washington.

Second French peacekeeper dies in Lebanon after ambush blamed on Hezbollah

Anicet Girardin is the third French soldier to die since the start of the fighting in the Middle East.

Meet Claudia Doumit, who just married her The Boys co-star Jack Quaid

The Scandal and New Girl actress wed the actor – whose parents are Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid – in a star-studded ceremony in her native Australia.

Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire, testing Lebanon truce as talks loom

The incidents are among several that have occurred since a 10-day Lebanon ceasefire came into effect last Thursday.

Israel jails soldiers for vandalising Jesus statue in Lebanon

Both the soldier who smashed the sculpture with a sledgehammer and the one who photographed the act will receive military detention.

Trump extends Iran ceasefire, claims interception of ‘gift from China’

Strait blockade stays as US seizes vessel said to be carrying ammunition for Iran; Beijing denies role and talks face fresh doubt.

US and Iran warn they are ready for war as clock ticks on ceasefire end

As talks remain in limbo, a key Iranian figure says the Islamic Republic is ready to ‘show new cards on the battlefield’.

Defying Hezbollah, Lebanon’s president seeks end to hostilities with Israel talks

Ambassadors are set to meet in Washington on Thursday as President Aoun hopes to ‘save Lebanon’ amid a fragile ceasefire.

Opinion | US-Iran ceasefire can’t paper over fires in the Strait of Hormuz