Middle East War: Iran rejects American plan, Israel expands its buffer zone in Lebanon, Hezbol

The war continues in the Middle East. Iran rejected on Wednesday, March 25, the American plan to end the war, according to Iranian state television. At the same time, Israel has expanded the “buffer zone” in Lebanon to “move the missile threat” from Hezbollah, which refuses to negotiate. Additionally, several Gulf countries were targeted by Iran. Here are the highlights of Wednesday, March 25.

Iran rejects American plan

Tehran rejected, according to state television, the 15-point American plan aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, a document transmitted to them by the Pakistani mediator. The Iranian ambassador to Pakistan stated that there had been no discussions between Washington and Tehran to achieve peace.

In this plan, beyond the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the United States notably demand the dismantling of the nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, the removal of uranium stocks under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the total cessation of enrichment on Iranian soil.

Israel expands “buffer zone” in Lebanon, Hezbollah refuses to negotiate

Israel is expanding the “buffer zone” in Lebanon to “move the missile threat” from Hezbollah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated. The Israeli army, on their side, claimed to have “dismantled Hezbollah command centers” and a weapons depot in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Na’im Qassem deemed any negotiation “under fire” with Israel a “surrender,” while the Lebanese government calls for talks with the Jewish state.

Iran attacks Israel and Gulf countries

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards declared having fired missiles and drones towards northern and central Israel, as well as towards two US military bases in Kuwait, one in Bahrain, and another in Jordan. A fuel reservoir at Kuwait International Airport also caught fire after being targeted by drones.

The Iranian navy also stated they launched missiles towards the American aircraft carrier “Abraham Lincoln.” The American aircraft carrier was forced to change its course, as reported by an Iranian agency, citing a military statement. Quoted in the statement, Iranian navy commander, Shahram Irani, stated that “as soon as this hostile fleet enters the range of our missile systems, it will be the target of powerful strikes by the Iranian navy.” The United States did not comment.

Iranian Parliament President defies the United States

Influential Iranian Parliament President, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, advised the United States not to “test” Iran’s determination to defend its territory, amid reports of additional troop deployments in the Middle East by American media. He also stated that the “enemies” of the Islamic Republic were preparing to invade one of its islands in the Gulf, with the help of a regional country.