Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Lebanon should not be used as a battleground for regional conflicts, highlighting the growing concerns over Iran's influence through groups like Hezbollah. The warning comes amid rising tensions as the US intensifies economic pressure on Iran through new sanctions. These measures have led to the suspension of Iranian flights to neighboring countries, including the UAE and Oman, marking a significant shift in US policy targeting third-party entities involved with Iran.
The sanctions, described as a "D-Day" move, have disrupted air travel and raised fears of further economic retaliation. Meanwhile, Iran has set a four to five-day deadline for the US to respond to conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage. This deadline, announced by Iranian officials, adds to the uncertainty surrounding regional stability.
In parallel, Saudi Arabia reported that it had intercepted Houthi missiles, underscoring the ongoing conflict in the region. The situation has also affected cross-border trade, with long queues forming at the Turkish-Iranian border, highlighting the broader economic and logistical challenges caused by the escalating tensions.
