Syria and Lebanon revive the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline to transfer oil bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran Supreme National Security Council demands six conditions before the Strait can be opened: • Ending US threats against Iran and what Zolghadr described as insults to Iran’s national and religious values • Permanently halting attacks on Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq • Lifting the US naval blockade on Iran and withdrawing US naval and air forces from around the country • Paying compensation for damage caused by what he called two “imposed wars” • Lifting of global sanctions • Unconditionally releasing frozen Iranian assets

Israel and Lebanon meeting on ceasefire agreement. The two sides are trying to break that deadlock through so-called “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon. The idea is to start small: in designated areas, the Lebanese Army moves in and establishes exclusive state control at the same time that the Israeli military pulls out. The goal is to leave no vacuum for Hezbollah to retake control of territory. Three pilot zones have already been established, but the first tests have been rocky, with Israel disputing the agreement being followed in a nearby village. If the deal doesn’t hold, the larger ceasefire could remain stuck in essentially the same stalemate.

Lebanon President Aoun meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss peace process.

A delegation from US military command arrives in Lebanon to implement an agreement to end the conflict between Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah.

Lebanon President Aoun says that the agreement with Israel does not legitimize continued Israeli occupation of Lebanon.

Hezbollah rejects the US/Israel/Lebanon agreement and says it should be replaced by the US/Iran agreement.

US, Israel, and Lebanon sign an agreement that provides for the transfer of two Israeli-held areas to Lebanon and for the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Netanyahu says that Israel military will remain in south Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms and that displaced Lebanese will not be able to return.

France and Italy agree to form a multinational force to support Lebanon’s military and security after a UN force leaves.

Israel and Lebanon deny a US claim that some Israeli forces have left Lebanon as a gesture of goodwill.

In initial talks marking the start of the 60-day negotiation period, the US and Iran agree to create a “de-confliction cell” to address fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Negotiators also discuss measures to ensure that the Strait remains open. Iran also agreed to communicate with US about ships passing through the Strait. The US Treasury department issued a 60-day waiver on sanctions on Iran oil shipments.

Netanyahu says that Israel will continue to attack Hezbollah when necessary. Israel has not struck in Lebanon in the past day. Hezbollah has also restrained from attacking Israel.

Lebanon and Israel hold direct talks in Washington, DC, on developing a plan for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon.

Iran says that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again in reaction to Israel’s continuing attacks in Lebanon and the US failure to implement Article 1 of the MOU. The US disputes the statement that the Strait is closed, though little traffic was going through even before the announced closure. Israel military subsequently says it has received directives to cease fire.

Israel bombs Lebanon. Vance and Iranian officials call off trip to Switzerland for discussions as the 60-day ceasefire period begins. Later a truce between them is announced between Israel and Lebanon.

Full text of the MOU between the US and Iran: Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America have jointly agreed, in good faith, on ......... 2026, at…….., on the following: 1. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, and their allies in the current war, by signing this MoU, declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final Deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and other provisions of this paragraph. 2. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America undertake to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs. 3. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America commit to negotiating and achieving the final Deal, in maximum 60 days extendable with mutual consent. 4. Immediately upon the signing of this MoU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. During this period, the traffic of vessels will be in proportion to the numbers of pre-war traffic being restored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America further undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final Deal. 5. Upon the signing of this MoU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels, with no charge for 60 days only, from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman, and vice versa. The traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start, and considering the need for removing the technical and military obstacles, and de-mining by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will be instated within 30 days. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman, to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz, in discussions with other Persian Gulf Littoral States, in line with applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz. 6. The United States of America undertakes, with regional partners, to develop a definitive mutually agreed plan with at least USD 300 Billion, for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The mechanism for the implementation of this plan will be finalized as part of final Deal within 60 days. All required licenses, waivers and permissions needed for the relevant financial transactions will be granted by the United States of America. PAGE 2 7. The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, IAEA Board of Governors resolutions, and all unilateral U.S. sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed upon schedule as part of the final deal. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination issue above mentioned and express their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. 8. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpiled enriched material pursuant to a mechanism that will be mutually agreed upon, in accordance with the schedule mentioned in paragraph 7, with the minimum methodology to be down blending on-site, under the supervision of the IAEA. The two Parties also agree to discuss the issue of enrichment, and other mutually agreed matters relating to the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear needs, based on a satisfactory framework being agreed upon in the final Deal. The final Deal will confirm the provisions of this paragraph. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the nuclear issues above mentioned and express their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. 9. Pending the final Deal, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America agree to maintain the status quo; the Islamic Republic of Iran will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program, and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions, and will not deploy any additional forces in the region. 10. The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of this MoU, and until the termination of sanctions, the U.S. Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives, and all associated services including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc. 11. The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use, the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of this MoU. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will mutually agree on the procedures related to the release of these funds during the negotiations. Such funds, whether retained in the original account or transferred, shall be made fully usable for payment to any ultimate beneficiary designated by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America undertakes to issue all necessary licenses and authorizations accordingly. 12. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America agree that an executive mechanism will be established to monitor the successful implementation of this MoU and the future compliance of the final Deal. PAGE 3 13. After signing this MoU, and subject to the beginning of the implementation of paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11 of this MoU and the continuing implementation of these measures, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America will start negotiations regarding the final Deal exclusively on the other paragraphs. 14. The final Deal will be endorsed by a binding UNSC resolution.

Israel says it is not bound by the terms of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement and will not pull its forces from Lebanon. President Trump, Pakistani mediators and Iran said the deal includes a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif writes on social media that both sides have agreed to “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” He also writes that the official signing ceremony will be on Friday 19 June in Switzerland.

Israel bombs Beirut. Trump criticizes the action with the ceasefire agreement so close to being finalized. Hezbollah says it attacked Israeli troops and vehicles in southern Lebanon seventeen times today.

Iran state media publishes a list of items on the proposed ceasefire agreement with the US: • A permanent and immediate cessation of war on all fronts, including Lebanon. • The United States and its allies would be required to present reconstruction plans for Iran worth at least $300 billion. • A U.S. commitment not to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs and to respect the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran. • Full lifting of the naval blockade within 30 days. • A U.S. commitment to withdraw its forces from areas surrounding Iran. • Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days under arrangements determined by Iran. • Suspension of sanctions on the sale of oil, petrochemical products, and related derivatives, along with full Iranian access to the resulting financial revenues. • A 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a final agreement covering nuclear issues and the complete removal of U.S. primary and secondary sanctions, as well as the repeal of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors. • Reaffirmation by Iran of its commitment under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) not to produce nuclear weapons. • During the negotiation period, the United States would commit not to deploy additional forces to the region and not to impose any new sanctions. • The release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets during the 60-day final negotiation period. Half of this amount must be made available to Iran before negotiations begin. • Establishment of a monitoring mechanism to oversee implementation of the agreement. • The final agreement would be approved through a UN Security Council resolution. • Final negotiations would not begin before the release of half of Iran’s frozen assets, the suspension of oil sanctions, and the lifting of the naval blockade. • The final agreement would focus exclusively on the future of enriched nuclear material and uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and a program for rebuilding Iran’s economy. Discussion of Iran’s missile program and its support for resistance groups would be definitively excluded from the agenda.

Heavy fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in southern Lebanon around the strategically placed Beaufort Castle recently captured by Israel.

Israel attacks Beirut, later saying it targeted missile manufacturing.

Lebanon parliament speaker Nabih Berri rejects a ceasefire with Israel because it does not require Israel to withdraw as it does Hezbollah.

Lebanon President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticize Iran for the rejection of the ceasefire deal with Israel, stating that Lebanon should not be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations.

Iran Quds force commander says Israel must withdraw to positions it held before the war in Lebanon.

Araghchi says Iran is in contact with the US to prevent an attack on Beirut, which would cause “a full-scale resumption” of the war.

Trump announces that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to stop fighting in the interest of a ceasefire between the US and Iran. Netanyahu said he would attack “terror targets in Beirut” if Hezbollah continued targeting Israel. Israeli forces would continue operating in southern Lebanon.

Israel and Hezbollah agree to renew the ceasefire if Hezbollah ceases its attacks and both countries will implement pilot zones in security zones across Lebanon where Hezbollah militants would be banned.

Netanyahu orders attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut following what Israel calls “repeated attacks.” Iran says the Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah are an important reason why there is no ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

Iran halts negotiations with US due to Israel attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, says it will fully close the Strait of Hormuz again, and threatens to close the Strait of Mandeb in the Red Sea.

Trump announces that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire and suggests that he has spoken to Hezbollah indirectly.

Netanyahu orders IDF to expand its ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Israel continues attacking southern Lebanon and imposes mass displacement of Lebanese in the region as the US and Iran near a ceasefire agreement that may restrict Israel’s military operations in the region.

Israel continues bombing of southern Lebanon, saying it has carried out 100 attacks in the last two days.

The US announces that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the ceasefire for 45 days, though Israel continues to bomb sites in Lebanon where it believes Hamas officials are.

Israel kills Hezbollah commander in a Beirut suburb despite official ceasefire.

Israel continues intense strikes on southern Lebanon despite ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah and Israel accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.

IDF orders evacuation of seven villages in southern Lebanon.

Trump announces that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the ceasefire to three weeks.

Israel establishes a line, “the Forward Defense Line” in Lebanon, similar to the “yellow line” in Gaza, demarking territory the IDF controls.

Despite Trump posting that bombing Lebanon is “prohibited,” Israel attacks Lebanon in the hours before ceasefire to begin.

Iran announces that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and will remain open as long the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon remains in effect.

Hezbollah ceases attacks on Israel, though it does not endorse the agreement.

On social media, US President Trump announces ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon beginning at midnight on this day. Israeli cabinet members only learn of the agreement through the social media. Israel reserved its right to self-defense "against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks," but also committed to "not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets, in the territory of Lebanon by land, air, and sea." Both countries requested that the U.S. facilitate further negotiations, according to the ceasefire agreement published by the U.S. State Department. The deal does not explicitly require Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, although it does spell out which six Lebanese state security forces are allowed to carry arms. Many Israelis are angry that they were not consulted, that the agreement does not restrict Hezbollah, and that it does not mention the buffer zone that Israel has created below the Litani River in Lebanon. However, it does not require Israel to exit the territory it has occupied.

Talks between US Vice President JD Vance, Witkoff and Kushner with Iranian Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghch end early on 4/12 without agreement after about 20 hours of discussion. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed to ships from countries who have not agreed with Iran and are thought to be paying the toll Iran demands. Major disagreements related to Iran’s nuclear enrichment, its missile program, management of the Strait of Hormuz, and a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Israel rejects a ceasefire with Lebanon, although talks are to begin.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says that peace talks with the United States will not begin until there is a ceasefire in Lebanon and Iranian assets are unfrozen.

Israel continues widespread attacks in southern Lebanon.

Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon to clear a buffer zone 14 miles wide that includes the city of Tyre. Israel is destroying all the villages in the projected zone.

In reaction to the bombing of Lebanon and attacks on Iranian islands, Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz again. Netanyahu continues to insist that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire agreement. Iran continues attacks on regional countries. Trump asserts that US forces will remain in the Middle East until final agreement and insists that the agreement must include no nuclear enrichment by Iran and no ballistic missiles.

After threatening that “a whole civilization will die” on social media, Trump agrees to a two-week ceasefire twenty minutes before the deadline he had set for opening the Strait of Hormuz in a deal brokered by Pakistan. Iran will open the Strait of Hormuz, coordinated by Iran’s military, for two weeks while the two sides discuss a final agreement. Israel also agrees to halt bombing of Iran. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the halt also includes Lebanon, but Netanyahu denies this.

Iran's ambassador refuses to leave Lebanon despite being declared persona non grata and ordered to leave the country by this day.

Hezbollah attacks Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posits a security zone down to the Litani River, in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah says it will extend its pause on attacks on Israel.

Israel attacks several villages in southern Lebanon, killing seven.

Hezbollah said to have fired two projectiles targeting an Israeli military base near Haifa. Israel responds with attacks in Beirut and across many villages in Lebanon. Mohammad Raad, the head of Hezbollah's political wing Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, is reportedly killed in an airstrike.

Hezbollah said to have fired two projectiles targeting an Israeli military base near Haifa. Israel responds with attacks in Beirut and across many villages in Lebanon. Mohammad Raad, the head of Hezbollah's political wing Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, is reportedly killed in an airstrike.

With Iran destabilized, Saudi Arabia will seek to expand its role in the Middle East, Israel will seek to dominate security in Syria, Lebanon and perhaps parts of western Iraq, and Turkiye will seek to expand into northern Syria and northern Iraq. China and Russia both need Iran to remain an ally.

Israel launches an attack on Iran, calling it a preemptive strike, killing several Iranian high-ranking officials including supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The United States takes part in the attack on Iran with Trump announcing a "major U.S. combat operation" targeting Iranian missile facilities and naval assets, and calls on the Iranian military to overthrow Khamenei. Explosions are reported in Tehran, Iran, as U.S.-launched Tomahawk missiles strike Iranian targets, including the supreme leader's office. Satellite imagery confirms the destruction of Khamenei's compound. Iran launches ballistic missiles at a United States Navy facility in Bahrain, targeting the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and Iranian drones strike residential areas of Manama. Iran launches missiles at Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE state that they have intercepted Iranian missiles. The U.S. embassies in Bahrain and Qatar instruct their personnel to shelter in place. At least two people are killed and five more are injured when an unidentified airstrike targets the Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters in Iraq. Iranian Shahed drones strike Kuwait International Airport resulting in minor injuries to several airport workers as well as damage to the main terminal. The Dubai airport in the UAE is also targeted. Iran says it has launched a ballistic missile attack on Dubai with reports of multiple missiles striking the city.

Israel launches an attack on Iran, calling it a preemptive strike, killing several Iranian high-ranking officials including supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The United States takes part in the attack on Iran with Trump announcing a "major U.S. combat operation" targeting Iranian missile facilities and naval assets and calls on the Iranian military to overthrow Khameni.

Lebanon and Cyprus sign a long-delayed sea border agreement, ending an almost 20-year impasse that had stalled some oil and gas exploration in the Mediterranean Sea as Europe seeks replacements for Russian oil.

IDF remains in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire agreement.

Israeli forces remain in southern Lebanon because Israel says Hezbollah forces are still there. The withdrawal has been pushed back to 2/18 at Israeli request.

Fighting breaks out in southern Lebanon as Lebanese attempt to return to their homes.

Israel says it will not remove troops from southern Lebanon by the agreed date, saying that the deal called for the Lebanese army to take control of the area.

Israel claims that Hezbollah violated ceasefire and bombs storage facility in Lebanon.

Israel bombs targets in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah attacks. Both say that the ceasefire remains in place.

IDF and Hezbollah exchange fire.

Rebel forces affiliated with the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) enter Aleppo in the biggest offensive against the government since rebels were forced out of Aleppo in 2016. The weakening of Hezbollah in the war with Israel, forced the organization to move troops out of Syria. Similarly, both Iraq and Russia have reduced their arms supply to Hezbollah, weakening their forces in Syria. Meanwhile, Turkey – the main supporter of the rebels – has gained advantage. Having northern Syria hhin rebel hands also reduces immigration from Syria in Turkey.

Hezbollah and Israel agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon. Significantly, it is described as a separation of Hezbollah (and implicitly Iran) from Hamas, which puts greater pressure on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire.

Recent months have seen a sharp increase in attacks on Israel carried out by pro-Iranian Iraqi groups – acting under a joint banner called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The Iraqi militia coalition considers itself a significant element in the Iran-led response to Israel’s continued offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Armed drone attacks by the Iraqi militias have surged, rising from just six in August to 35 in September and as many as 47 claimed in mid-October. The militia considered most closely aligned with Iran and the IRGC-QF is Kata’ib Hezbollah, whose former leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed in Baghdad alongside the revered IRGC-QF commander Qasem Soleimani in a January 2020 Trump administration drone strike. The groups, particularly Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, also have a substantial presence in Syria, where they have been attacking U.S. bases, assisting Iran’s transfer of weaponry to Lebanese Hezbollah, and helping defend the Assad regime against its domestic armed opposition.

Massive air attack by IDF on apartment building in central Beirut, said to be targeting Hezbollah commander.

IDF bombs in downtown Beirut.

Hezbollah responds positively to US ceasefire proposal with Israel.

IDF attacks in Syria are increasing, as the IDF attempts to reduce Hezbollah’s arms and intelligence centers. It has also recently attacked crossings on the Syria-Lebanon border.

Netanyahu said to be preparing a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon as a “gift” to US president-elect Trump.

Israel bombs Beirut suburbs.

Missiles fired from Lebanon injure eleven in Israel as Iran orders response to 10/27 attack by Israel.

Hezbollah names Nassim Qassem, 71, a longtime spokesman and leader of the organization, as the new secretary general.

Israel strikes military targets in Iran in retaliation for 10/1 attack.

Hezbollah reported to be fighting strongly on the ground in southern Lebanon. A Hezbollah drone damaged Netanyahu’s home on 10/18 or 10/19. However, its stronghold in southern Beirut has been largely destroyed.

IDF says that the likely successor to Nasrallah was killed in an air strike some weeks ago. Hezbollah subsequently confirms this.

IDF continues attacks both in Gaza and in Lebanon.

UN peacekeepers on the Israel-Lebanon border will remain in place throughout Israeli attacks, UN says.

Hezbollah drone attack on IDF army base in northern Israel kills four soldiers and injures many more.

Hezbollah missiles hit Israeli port of Haifa.

Israel increases bombing in southern Lebanon, apparently hunting Hashim Safi a-Din, Nasrallah’s heir apparent. Israel seems to infiltrated Hezbollah, able to pinpoint leaders’ location with some degree of precision. However, Hezbollah troops seem to be holding off IDF forces invading the south. Tens of thousands of Lebanese have evacuated their homes.

Israel continues bombing Lebanon, attacks a refugee camp in West Bank, and bombs Gaza. World leaders are worried that Israel may retaliate against Iran by bombing nuclear sites, though it seems unlikely. Attacks on the oil industry are more likely.

Hezbollah deputy leader Sheik Naim Qassem asserts that Hezbollah is prepared for an Israeli ground offensive.

IDF invades southern Lebanon.

Israel conducts massive air strikes in Lebanon, saying it has struck Hezbollah’s headquarters. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and another high-ranking official are killed in the attack. There are later reports that Nasrallah had agreed to a ceasefire with Israel and Netanyahu had accepted the proposal, but went about the assassination of Nasrallah anyway. Over the course of the past year, Israeli special operations forces have conducted dozens of raids across the Lebanese border, claiming to have attacked nearly 1,000 Hezbollah sites where they collected intelligence and sought to dismantle the militant group’s infrastructure and weapons depots.

Hezbollah missile is destroyed over Tel Aviv.

At UN General Assembly meeting, US, France, and other nations call for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Netanyahu rejects the plan.

UN human rights chief says that weaponizing personal non-combat devices, which Israel did with its pager attack, is a violation of international law.

Bombardment of Lebanon continues. Among other negotiation demands, Israel insists that Hezbollah decouple its military activity from the war in Gaza and Hezbollah insists that it will not do so until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. Tens of thousands of Lebanese have been displaced. Israel says it will continue attacks until the Israelis who have evacuated northern Israel can return.

IDF bombards 1300 sites in Lebanon, saying they are Hezbollah ammunition or otherwise military.

IDF attack in an area of Beirut kills Hezbollah commander, Israel says. Also that the military has destroyed thousands of Hezbollah’s rocket launchers.

More devices blow up. Hezbollah calls the attacks an act of war.

Pagers blow up in Lebanon, killing some and injuring hundreds. Later, it becomes clear that Israel was able to insert bombs into the pagers as they were being assembled. Hezbollah had recently ordered their members to stop using cell phones, because they could be identified by Israel, and switch to pagers.

After an exchange of missile attacks, Hezbollah and Israel express satisfaction, an indication that both are ready to deescalate. However, Iran has still not launched any reprisal for the assassination in Teheran on 7/31/24.

Amid new efforts at peace talks, and intransigence on both sides, Israel attacks Hezbollah in Lebanon on suspicion of planning a new attack. Hezbollah responds with hundreds of rockets.

Rocket attack kills 12, including some children, in the Israeli-occupied Golan. Israel accuses Hezbollah of the attack.

Netanyahu says the most intense phase of the assault against Hamas in Gaza is coming to an end, freeing up forces to move to the Lebanese border. However, he also says that while he is open to a ceasefire agreement, he will not agree to any agreement that requires the end of the campaign.

Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in the north of Israel intensifying, and there are diplomatic efforts to reduce the tension.

Fighting between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel intensifying,

Series of attacks by Israel on Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon.

IDF strike in Lebanon kills senior Hezbollah commander.

Hamas leader Saleh Arouri killed in missile attack in Beirut. Israel is suspected.

Israel warns of wider war in Lebanon with Hezbollah, which has intensified its rocket attacks on northern Israel.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nazrallah says that Hezbollah will not increase the intensity of its attacks on Israel in support of Hamas unless Israel does so against Lebanon but calls for the war to end.

Israel relocates some citizens living near the border with Lebanon, as fears of a wider war increase. US orders some diplomatic personnel to leave Iraq.

In the aftermath of the hospital bombing, PLA’s Abbas, Jordan and Lebanon cancel scheduled meeting with US President Biden, a blow to hopes for a regional approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Hezbollah increases its rocket attacks on Israel from Lebanon, raising fears of a wider regional war.

Israel shells southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah rocket attacks from there.

Attempted incursion into Israel from Lebanon by Gaza-based Islamic Jihad thwarted. The group also says they are holding thirty Israeli captives.

Hamas attacks Israel by land, sea, and air in retaliation for past atrocities notably the attack on the Al-Aqsa mosque in 4/23. More than 5000 thousand missiles are fired at Israeli targets and there is an invasion across several border points with Israel by approximately 1500. At least 100 Israelis are killed and a substantial number are taken prisoner. There is widespread killing of civilians unrelated to any military objective. There is discussion that this attack, supported and equipped by Iran, is intended to rebalance Iran’s regional position, caused in part by the reported normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Iran may also have been behind a recent terrorist bombing in Ankara, Turkey, which caused Turkey to bomb PKK sites in Syria. The attack also took place on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. There is concern in Israeli intelligence at the failure to detect any sign of the preparation for the attack, which must have been substantial.

Banks from four Arab countries discussing ways to invest in Lebanese banking.

Skirmishes along the Lebanese border, centered around the town of Ghajar, a disputed area that straddles Lebanon and Syrian territory captured and occupied by Israel since 1967.

Protestors in front of central bank building.

Protestors in Beirut suburbs attack bank buildings demanding their money.

Police fire tear gas at demonstrators, many of them from the security forces, protesting the economic morass of the country. Currency has dropped to its lowest value against the dollar.

Central bank devalues the pound by 90%.

Israel and Lebanon agree to exploit the maritime gas fields by defining the maritime border between the two countries (though not the land border, which is also in dispute). Hezbollah had threatened to attack a new offshore gas facility that Israel is readying for production in what Lebanon claims are disputed waters and Israel had put its military on alert, but this deal should calm those concerns. It will also provide Lebanon with a new cash flow.

Banks close front-office service “indefinitely” after wave of robberies.

Israel rejects Lebanese changes to maritime treaty, putting it in doubt.

A small wave of armed depositors taking their money out of banks at gunpoint, due to bank restrictions on withdrawal amounts.

Lebanon warns Israel against any “aggressive action” in sea region where both countries hope to develop natural gas resources.

Hezbollah and allies lose their majority in parliament. Its ally the Free Patriotic Movement is no longer the largest Christian bloc in parliament. It was surpassed by the Lebanese Forces, backed by the US and Saudi Arabia. Overall, Hezbollah and allies will have 58 seats, those opposed to Hezbollah will have 47, and groups advocating for change in government will have 22. There is one other seat.

Parliamentary elections today. Early returns suggest Hezbollah and affiliated parties suffer losses. he Lebanese Forces, an anti-Hezbollah former militia, might overtake the Hezbollah-allied Free Patriotic Movement as the largest Christian bloc in parliament, splitting te chamber between Hezbollah's allies, its opposition, and independents.

Parliamentary elections today. Early returns suggest Hezbollah and affiliated parties suffer losses. he Lebanese Forces, an anti-Hezbollah former militia, might overtake the Hezbollah-allied Free Patriotic Movement as the largest Christian bloc in parliament, splitting the chamber between Hezbollah's allies, its opposition, and independents.

Saudi Arabia and France pledge to initial humanitarian projects in Lebanon to alleviate financial crisis.

Israel fires missile into suspected Hezbollah positions in Lebanon in retaliation for rocket attacks.

Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh says the bank is not bankrupt.

Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh says the bank is not bankrupt.

Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh al-Shami says that the central bank and the state are now bankrupt. Losses will be distributed among the creditors.

Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh al-Shami says that the central bank and the state are now bankrupt. Losses will be distributed among the creditors.

Court charges Christian politician Samir Geagea with involvement in the violent clashes between protestors and police in 10/21.

Lebanese PM Mikati vows to end all Lebanon-originated activities that affect the security of Saudi Arabia. Lebanon had criticized Saudi fighting in Yemen and Saudi Arabia had expelled Lebanese diplomats in 2021, saying that the structure of Lebanese government, which gives Hezbollah a strong voice, was detrimental to Saudi security. Saudi Arabia responds positively and says it will contribute to the restoration of Lebanon’s role in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s withdrawal contributed to the financial meltdown in Lebanon.

Court charges the head of the central bank, Riad Salameh, with financial crimes. He is also being investigated by European countries.

Banks begin two-day strike in protest of government orders that freeze assets.

Mikati says he will not run for re-election in the parliamentary elections 5/15. Following Hariri’s withdrawal, this leaves a leadership vacuum in Sunni Muslim politics.

Saad Hariri, citing division, impotence, and confusion in national and international response to Lebanon’s crisis, retires from politics and calls on his followers in the Future Movement group not to participate in upcoming elections.

With temperatures well above 100° F, Argentina is the hottest place on earth. Thousands are without power.

Mikati says that preparations and preliminary talks for new negotiations with the IMF are moving forward.

Christian leader of Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, is ordered to appear before a military investigation of attacks on Hezbollah and Amal demonstrators on 10/14.

Aoun rejects law passed by parliament that would move elections of to 3/27/22, saying that it would reduce participation. Parliament will meet to discuss next steps, but a majority still seems to advocate moving the elections up.

Parliament sets 3/27/22 as date of legislative elections in order to avoid campaigning during Ramadan.

Fierce gunfighting after police try to break up a rally organized by Hezbollah and Amal demanding the dismissal of the lead investigator into the port explosion.

Investigation into the Beirut port explosion has been suspended after two former ministers facing charges, ex-finance minister Ali Hasan Khalil (who did not appear for questioning) and former public works minister Ghazi Zeiter, lodged a new legal complaint against the lead investigator, Judge Tarek Bitar. It is their third attempt to remove the judge.

Second of Lebanon’s two main power plants runs out of fuel, leaving much of the country without electricity, at least for most of the day. Private companies provide some power, but they are also struggling to stay in operation.

Mikati becomes prime minister and announces a cabinet. It is Lebanon’s first government in more than a year.

Government begins cash support payments in US dollars to everyone up to a maximum of six in a family.

Syria announces agreement to supply Lebanon with Jordanian electricity and Egyptian natural gas through Syrian territory.

Syria announces agreement to supply Lebanon with Jordanian electricity and Egyptian natural gas through Syrian territory.

Security chiefs warns that the collapse of state institutions could cause general chaos.

Government changes the exchange rate for fuel, which will likely double its cost. The central bank, however, will pay a higher exchange rate on imported fuel, so there is still some subsidy that the government will have to repay.

Blackouts and fuel shortages throughout the country.

Departing Prime Minister Hassan Diab calls central bank’s ending of fuel subsidies “Illegal,” though the move had been expected for some time.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon in retaliation for Hezbollah missile attacks.

Billionaire businessman Najib Mikati is appointed to form a new government. He has served as prime minister twice before.

Hariri steps down as prime minister designate, citing differences with President Aoun.

Prime Minister Diab says Lebanon is days away from a “social explosion.” The World Bank says the situation is dire, one of the worst depressions in modern history.

Continued rioting over economic crisis and government inaction. Government approves cash payments to families of $56 billion.

Government approves a rise in fuel prices of more than 35%.

Lebanon remains without a government as Aoun and his Free Patriotic Movement Party and Hariri and his political party, the Future Movement, trade accusations about who is preventing agreement.

Aoun tells Hariri to form a government or step aside.

Seventh day of protests against the government.

Students protest increase in tuition.

Hariri named prime minister again.

Lebanon and Israel agree to negotiate a settlement on disputed border.

Najib Berri, head of Amal, rejects the way in which the cabinet is being chosen, imperiling the 9/15 deadline asserted by France for a new government before sanctions are imposed. Another Hezbollah ally, Christian politician Gebran Bassil makes a similar statement. Shia leaders reported to be seeking Finance ministry position.

Parliament approves a state of emergency, giving the military sweeping powers.

Aoun accepts resignation of Lebanese government. Diab remains as caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. Aoun can appoint a new cabinet without parliament’s approval, but he has said little.

Second day of large protests against the government.

Huge explosions in Beirut.

Foreign minister Nassif Hitti resigns, calling Lebanon a “failed state.” Charbel Wehbe replaces him.

Protests against government plan for economic crisis.

Parliament passes $300 million aid package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also passes a law that creates an anti-corruption commission that is able to investigate accounts at the Central Bank. The law was opposed by those who thought it would be used to punish political opposition, among others.

Parliament passes $300 million aid package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also passes a law that creates an anti-corruption commission that is able to investigate accounts at the Central Bank. The law was opposed by those who thought it would be used to punish political opposition, among others.

Lebanon continues to lurch toward an economic crisis after 100 days of the Diab government. Protests continue. Diab has so far not appointed anyone to deal with the state-run electricity company Electricite du Liban (EDL), a main source of the country’s debt.

Banks reject a government plan for the economy.

Violent protests in Tripoli and elsewhere as the pound continues to lose value. Millions have lost half the value of their salary and savings over the last six months.

Central Bank allows small depositors to make withdrawals in local currency.

Government extends stay-at-home order for two weeks, until 4/12 due to COVID-19.

Government defaults on its Eurobond debt.

Protestors attempt but fail to stop parliament from voting on the new government, which is approved.

Banks tighten controls on the dollar as the economic crisis deepens.

Hassan Diab is confirmed as prime minister. He appoints a cabinet he describes as nonpolitical

Second night of protests outside central bank.

Protests continue about the nomination of Diab. But even according to the power-sharing system in use today, where the prime minister has to be a Sunni Muslim, Diab is not likely to succeed. Having scant support among his Sunni community and former Prime Minister Saad Hariri's Future Bloc in parliament, he lacks the political backing to be a strong prime minister vis-a-vis President Aoun and the Hezbollah-AMAL alliance.

Former education minister Hassan Diab is named prime minister-designate with the support of Hezbollah, Amal, and their Christian ally, the Free Patriotic Movement. He is a technocrat and as required, a Sunni.

Former education minister Hassan Diab is named prime minister-designate with the support of Hezbollah, Amal, and their Christian ally, the Free Patriotic Movement. He is a technocrat and as required, a Sunni.

Hariri says he will not be prime minister.

Hariri says he will not be prime minister.

Aoun delays vote on government.

Army fights Hezbollah and Amal groups that were attempting to attack an anti-government protestor camp.

Army fights Hezbollah and Amal groups that were attempting to attack an anti-government protestor camp.

Army fights Hezbollah and Amal groups that were attempting to attack an anti-government protestor camp.

Army fights Hezbollah and Amal groups that were attempting to attack an anti-government protestor camp.

Protests continue, and security forces response is more militant.

Violent protests, focusing on Hariri’s candidacy for prime minister.

Violent protests, focusing on Hariri’s candidacy for prime minister.

Hariri again considered to be the leading candidate to become prime minister after Khatib withdraws his candidacy.

Government sets 12/8 as start of talks to form a new government though Aoun has not formally announced them. Protests continue against Khatib.

Hariri supports nomination of Samir Khatib, the head of a major contracting and construction company, to be prime minister. The announcement sparks new protests.

US military aid is released to Lebanon after months of unexplained delay.

Violent clashes between supporters of Hariri veruss Hezbollah and Amal Movement adherents, both Shiite groups.

Pro- and anti-government rallies on national independence day.

Meeting of parliament is postponed after demonstrations and clashes with police.

Safadi withdraws his candidacy.

Foreign minister says that Mohammad Safadi, a wealthy former finance minister, has agreed to be Lebanon’s prime minister if he wins the support of leading parties. He is a Sunni media owner with business interests in Saudi Arabia. Protestors object to another member of the elite being nominated.

Protests are renewed after Aoun, in an address, calls for protests to end lest they become a “disaster” for the country.

Protests continue and tension rises after a protestor is shot by police.

Protestors shut down banks, ministries, and other government institutions in an effort to force the government to overhaul the system.

Aoun says Lebanese government should transition from its current “confessional” organization to a non-sectarian form.

Hariri resigns, saying there is nothing further he can do. While in recent, the prime minister has been required to be a Sunni Muslim, protestors have called for a non-sectarian government with the slogan "All for all." Protestors celebrate, but also demand President Aoun and Speaker Bassil also resign. Hezbollah and Amal supporters attack protestors in Beirut. Aoun will negotiate with the parliamentary groups. Hariri, Walid Jumblatt of the Progressive Socialist Party, and Samir Geagea of the Lebanese Forces, all want Bassil, Aoun’s son-in-law, out of the government. This would involve renegotiating the agreement that divides the government among the three powerful groups. Protestors also want that, but want a technocrat government and Aoun pledges to do so.

Protestors form a human chain entirely across the country from north to south.

Protests continue as masked police forces attack protestors. Shiite Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah continues to support government and warns the that protests will cause chaos and perhaps civil war, but many Shia have been accusing Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, the Amal Movement leader of corruption.

Pres Aoun calls on protest leaders to discuss the government and what they want from it. “I am ready to meet your representatives that carry your concerns to listen to your specific demands. You will hear from us about our fears over financial collapse."

Protests continue, effectively paralyzing the country.

Hariri announces a package of reforms to address the economic problems in Lebanon, headlined by a 50% pay cut for top government offiials. Protestors reject the reforms and all for a general strike.

Four members of the cabinet resign, saying the government cannot address the problems, but Hezbollah says it remains in the government. Protests continue.

Hariri calls on all members of the government to find a solution to the nation’s economic problems within 72 hours. Protests continue.

Second day of protests against new taxes, especially on internet calls through WhatsApp, and even more so on the government’s handling of the economy. There are widespread shortages of food and fuel. Hariri has requested that the policy on WhatsApp be reversed, and the finance minister said the tax will not yet be imposed.

Lebanon calls Israeli drone crash in Beirut an act of war.

Drones believe to be Israeli crash in a Beirut suburb, and other locations in Syria and Iraq are hit by drone strikes.

Disagreement about future relations with Syria. Hariri’s Future Movement wants to delay normalizing relations until a political settlement is reached. The Free Patriotic Movement led by Foreign Minister Gabran Bassil, advocates immediate normalization.

UK puts political wing of Hezbollah on its terrorist list.

UN confirms existence of illegal Hezbollah tunnels from Lebanon to Israel.

Israel begins program of exposing Hezbollah tunnels from Lebanon.

Government still unable to agree on a cabinet. Hezbollah demands a Sunni ally minister, which would reduce the share held by Said Hariri’s Sunni Future Movement coalition. The FM lost seats in the legislature, winning only seventeen of the twenty-seven allotted to Sunnis. The cabinet is split, half of its thirty seats for Christians and half for Muslims. Of the Muslim portfolios, six go to Sunnis, six to Shia, and three to the Druze. Traditionally, a group of five MPs of the same political stance call for them to receive a cabinet ministership, but the six the Hezbollah claims all ran on different parliamentary tickets, so Hariri says it is a play by Hezbollah to reduce his group’s power and not a true representation. The struggle is called the Sunni tangle.

Aoun charges Saad Hariri with forming a new government and names him prime minister.

Nabih Berri, a Shia and ally of Hezbollah, is re-elected speaker of parliament.

Russia seeking increased influence in Lebanon, partly through the Eastern Orthodox Church, by calling the war against terrorism a holy war. It has revived an 1872 organization, the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society (IOPS), to organize Arab Christians.

Hezbollah and Amal (led by Nabih Berri), the Shiite coalition, wins 43 seats in parliament, enough to block any legislation they choose. However, more than half of the parliament – including Hariri’s Freedom Movement, the Free Patriotic Movement (led by Gebran Bassil, son-in-law of the party’s founder, President Michel Aoun), Lebanese Forces (15 seats, led by Samir Geagea), and the Progress Socialist Party -- has not been supportive of the Shiites. Amal wants to retain the Finance Ministry, a crucial one. Lebanese Forces wants the Energy Ministry. There growing opposition to the 10/31/16 governance agreement created by Aoun, Berri, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, Sunni leader Najib Mikati, and Maronite leader Sleiman Frangieh.

First parliamentary elections since 2009. Voters vote for one preferred seat, and also for a preferred list of coalition partners. The parliament of 128 seats reserves half for Muslims and half for Christians. The president of the country must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament a Shia Muslim.

Ongoing struggle in the eastern Mediterranean about oil and gas deposits under the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt and Greek Cyprus agreed on an Exclusive Economic Zone that Cyprus may exploit, but Turkey disputes that and has increased military activity in the area to prevent Greek Cypriot development in the most recent discoveries, called the Aphrodite field and the Calypso field. Greek Cypriot Pres Anastasiades has support from the EU against Turkish military moves and Turkey has condemned that response. Turkish Cypriots threaten to begin their own exploitation of the area if the Greek Cypriots do not desist. Israel and Lebanon dispute several fields off the Levant coast. Egypt has exclusive right to the Zohr field north of the country.

Hariri withdraws resignation after Lebanon cabinet affirms its disengagement from conflicts in the Arab world. Hezbollah agrees to remove its fighters from Iraq after the Islamic State is declared defeated.

Returning to Lebanon, Saad Hariri delays his resignation until further discussions.

Hariri leaves Paris for Cairo.

Saad Hariri arrives in Paris. He says he will return to Lebanon on 11/22/17.

Hariri to visit France as French try to mediate the situation in Lebanon.

Hariri’s party calls for him to return to Lebanon. Saudi Arabia says that he is free to travel.

Hezbollah in Lebanon calls for calm.

Saudi Arabia declares that the missile fired from Yemen is an act of war by Hezbollah and faults the government of Lebanon for failing to stop aggression by its military arm.

PM Saad Hariri resigns while in Saudi Arabia, accusing Iran and Hezbollah of fomenting discord in the Arab world. Pres Michel Aoun must appoint a Sunni as PM. An assassination plot against Hariri was recently foiled.