Levant

Regional trade and investment are actively rerouting around the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The UAE, led by its Crown Prince, is making major infrastructure investments in Jordan, while Syria is actively courting international backing for reconstruction and seeking financial integration with Türkiye. Iraq has shifted its oil exports to Syria to bypass the Hormuz disruption.

• 5MIDDLE EAST LIVE 17 April: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire begins; Iran announces opening of Strait of Hormuz
• 3Iraq reopens Rabia border crossing with Syria after 13 years
• 3Iran Says Hormuz to Open During Lebanon Truce in Boost for Peace
• 2Saudi minister says studies for rail link to Türkiye via Jordan, Syria to be completed soon - Anadolu Ajansı
• 2Syria hopes 'last milestone' for global financial reconnection is within reach

High-stakes diplomacy is centered on Israel-Lebanon talks, creating a dual-track approach where Israel negotiates with the Lebanese state while continuing its conflict with Hezbollah. The US and Lebanon are jointly pressuring Israel for a ceasefire to facilitate talks, but Iran's Qalibaf has conditioned US engagement on a Lebanon ceasefire and unfrozen assets. The EU has condemned Israeli attacks.

• 107Israel announces plan for direct peace talks with Lebanon
• 93Israel says US-Iran ceasefire does not cover its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon
• 35Trump seeks Iran breakthrough after Lebanon success
• 31As U.S. Nears Iran Deal, Israel Pushes on Toward a Familiar Dead End in Lebanon
• 16Ukrainian president visits Syria for first time to discuss security

Israel is conducting a major, sustained military campaign across Lebanon, with intense airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites and personnel from Beirut to the south. The campaign has resulted in heavy Hezbollah losses and civilian casualties, continuing even as political talks are announced. Operations have intensified in southern Lebanon in recent days.

• 156Israel intensifies Lebanon strikes as ceasefire deal in doubt
• 46French UN peacekeeper killed in Lebanon, Macron blames Hezbollah
• 32Israel maps territory it controls in south Lebanon after clashes with Hezbollah
• 30Lebanese reporter Amal Khalil killed in Israeli strikes: Why this is a war crime
• 24Israeli strike severs last bridge linking southern Lebanon to rest of country

The dominant societal tension is the catastrophic strain on Lebanon's civilian infrastructure and public health system due to the Israeli bombardment. Hospitals are overwhelmed and risk running out of vital supplies, with medical professionals warning the health system is being targeted. This has triggered international condemnation, including from Pakistan's defense minister.

• 14Israeli soldier filmed smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon, IDF confirms
• 7UN aid mission finds devastation in south Lebanon
• 6Israeli strikes overwhelm Lebanon's health system as conflict escalates
• 4Residents of Israel’s battered north want war against Hezbollah – with or without peace in Iran
• 4Is NPR’s coverage of the wars in Iran and Lebanon fair? : NPR Public Editor