Data shows partial restoration of internet connectivity

Israeli forces have begun operations beyond what is known as the “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon, military sources have confirmed to AFP and Reuters.

Despite a ceasefire in effect since 17 April, firing between Israel and Hezbollah continues on an almost daily basis.

Israeli troops are still operating inside the self-proclaimed “Yellow Line”, where they have carried out large-scale destruction.

The “Yellow Line” is distinct from the United Nations-demarcated “Blue Line” that marks the border between Lebanon and Israel after Israel’s withdrawal in 2000.

A military official told AFP that the area Israel was operating in was about 10 kilometers (6 miles) inside Lebanese territory.

“In accordance with instructions from the political sphere, the IDF is operating in a targeted manner beyond the Forward Defense Line to address direct threats to civilians and IDF troops of the State of Israel,” the military official said. “Specific details regarding the locations of the troops cannot be provided,” he said.

The move comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the military would step up attacks against the Iran-backed militant group.

Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the government had taken the first steps to restore internet access.

The announcement comes after a near-complete blackout was imposed in Iran since the war with the US and Israel began in late February.

Iranian state media reported yesterday that President Massoud Pezeshkian has issued an order to reopen international internet access.

“The first step has been taken towards free and regulated access to cyberspace,” the Iranian vice president said in a post on Twitter. He said the Iranians’ demands “will be met.”

According to a post on X by internet monitoring group NetBlocks, live data showed partial restoration of internet connectivity in Iran.

Iran said air defenses had responded to US forces, with Iranian news agencies reporting that an American drone had been shot down.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned against any US violations of the ceasefire agreement and said it had the right to retaliate.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the US of “continuing its illegal and unjustified actions since the ceasefire.”

“There were serious violations of the ceasefire in the Hormozgan region in the last 48 hours,” the ministry said.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said missile sites and boats were targeted in southern Iran on Monday, describing the action as a “self-defense attack” aimed at protecting US military personnel.

CENTCOM said the targeted ships were attempting to lay mines in the gulf.

A man was executed in Iran after being convicted of collaborating with and spying for Israel’s intelligence agency.

“Gholamreza Khani Shakrab was hanged on charges of intelligence cooperation and espionage in favor of the Zionist regime,” the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan Online website reported.

Tuesday’s execution is the latest in a series of executions by the Islamic Republic for security crimes since the war with Israel and the United States began on February 28.

The person was from the Iranian city of Ardabil and was living in Turkey. He was arrested by Iranian security forces while traveling in Iraq.

Norway-based human rights group Hangau said he was denied access to his preferred lawyer and criticized the lack of transparency in the judicial process.

Hengo also said the man’s brother is imprisoned in Iran.

At least 12 people have been killed in Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon, according to state media.

The state news agency National News Agency said the attacks took place in the Bekaa Valley late Monday night.

The reported attacks come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had authorized intensified strikes targeting Hezbollah targets across Lebanon.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not comment specifically on this latest report, but said it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in eastern parts of the country.

The attacks came just days before Israeli and Lebanese delegations were to meet in Washington for direct talks.

Despite a ceasefire that came into effect on April 17, Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly attacked each other.

It is not clear whether Lebanon will also be included in talks between Iran and the US to end the war.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal with Tehran remains within reach despite the US military launching new attacks on Iran.

“There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio told reporters during an official visit to India.

“I think there’s a lot of talking going on about specific language in the initial document, so it’s going to take a few days,” he said. “The President has expressed a willingness to make it. He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.”

Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz “is going to be open one way or another,” adding, “What’s happening there is illegal, it’s unlawful, it’s destabilizing for the world, it’s unacceptable.”

The Iranian blockade of a vital shipping channel has disrupted global fuel supplies and sent oil prices soaring.

Rubio’s statement came shortly after the US military’s Central Command announced that it had launched “self-defense” strikes against Iran, against targets including missile launch sites and mine-laying boats.

The US military said it had carried out “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, including attacks on missile launch sites and boats carrying mines.

U.S. Central Command spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins said in a statement that the strikes were carried out “to protect our troops from the threats posed by Iranian forces” but that the military was “exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.”

Further details were not immediately available.

It was not immediately clear what impact the strikes would have on ongoing talks between the two sides amid a ceasefire that has been in place since April 8.

Oil prices fluctuated on Tuesday but remained below $100 (€85.90) ​​per barrel.

We are following the latest US strikes in southern Iran, which the US military has said are necessary to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

Despite the new attacks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes a deal with Iran is still possible, although he expects it will take a few days.

The latest actions threaten the ceasefire between the US and Iran that began on April 8. The war has caused significant disruption to the global economy with severe disruptions to energy flows.

DW will keep you up to date on the latest developments in the field. Thank you for joining us.