The situation in the Middle East, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, is balancing on the brink of a full-scale regional war. US attempts to resolve the conflict are being met with a tough stance by Israel, which has no intention of stopping its strikes on Lebanon if the shelling continues.

Against this backdrop, Iran has moved to directly threatening to break off talks with Washington and engage in direct military confrontation. The region remains in a state of critical escalation of tension, with every step taken by the parties further distancing the prospect of a genuine ceasefire.

Armenian News-NEWS.am presents below a brief overview of the main developments that took place in and regarding the Middle East as of early Tuesday morning.

Donald Trump called on Israel to withdraw its troops from Beirut. The US President announced that he personally asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw his army units from the Lebanese capital. In addition, Trump reported on contacts with representatives of Hezbollah, who, he said, agreed to cease fire in the direction of Israeli forces.

Israel rejected Washington's proposal regarding Beirut. The Israeli prime minister's office almost immediately clarified the White House's statements: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear to US President Donald Trump that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would continue to strike Beirut if Hezbollah did not stop attacking Israeli cities. It was emphasized that in southern Lebanon the Israeli army will act according to a strictly defined plan.

The IDF continues its nightly bombing of Lebanon. According to the Lebanese National News Agency, on Monday night, the Israeli Air Force carried out another series of strikes on the southern regions of Lebanon. On early Tuesday morning, there were reports of at least two wounded civilians.

Iran has threatened the US with the failure of the peace talks and outright war. Iran's chief negotiator—and parliament speaker—Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a tough ultimatum during a conversation with Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri. According to Ghalibaf, if Israel does not stop its aggression against Lebanon, Iran will not only stop the backstage dialogue with the US, but will also move to a "direct confrontation with the enemy."

The White House announced progress in negotiations with Iran. Despite the bellicose rhetoric of the Iranian authorities, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the diplomatic path, noting that negotiations with Iran continue at a rapid pace.

The death toll in Lebanon has exceeded 3,400. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has updated its statistics on casualties. According to its official figures 3,433 people have been killed and another 10,395 have been injured so far in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since the start of a large-scale escalation of tension in March.