United States President Donald Trump has said he is in “no hurry” to reach a deal with Iran, even as talks continue over a possible agreement to ease the war and address Tehran’s nuclear programme. His comments came as Israel expanded its military operation in southern Lebanon, with reports saying Israeli forces had captured the strategic Beaufort Castle near Nabatieh.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the US is getting what it wants “slowly but surely” in the negotiations. He added that his main condition is a guarantee that Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons.
US media reported that Trump asked for several changes to a preliminary agreement discussed at the White House. Reports said the president had toughened the terms of the possible framework and requested amendments to the draft reached by US envoys and Iran.
Iran Warns Against Further Attacks
Iranian officials have warned that any new attack on the country would bring a stronger response. Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, a senior Iranian commander, said any aggression against Iranian territory would be met with a more forceful reaction than before.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also said it had shot down a US drone that it claimed was carrying out a hostile operation in Iranian territorial waters.
Iranian media also reported the unveiling of a new naval attack craft called 27 Rajab. The vessel is said to be capable of high speeds and equipped to launch long-range cruise missiles.
Meanwhile, the US military said it had disabled a Gambia-flagged ship that was heading toward an Iranian port. Tehran accused Washington of undermining diplomacy by continuing its naval blockade.
Frozen Assets Remain Part of Talks
Iranian state media reported that a proposed memorandum of understanding with the US included the release of $12bn in frozen Iranian assets.
However, the report cited an unofficial draft. A similar claim earlier in the week was rejected by the White House, which called it false.
The disagreement shows how fragile the negotiations remain. While both sides are still talking, major details appear unresolved, especially around sanctions relief, frozen assets, nuclear guarantees, and maritime security.
Israel Expands Ground Operation in Lebanon
As diplomacy with Iran continues, Israel has widened its military campaign in southern Lebanon. Reports from the Associated Press and Reuters said Israeli forces had captured Beaufort Castle, also known locally as Qalaat al-Shaqif.
The site is near Nabatieh and holds strategic value because it overlooks large parts of southern Lebanon.
Israel’s military also issued a new warning telling residents south of the Zahrani River to leave immediately. It said it was acting strongly against Hezbollah in the area.
Israeli air raids targeted several southern Lebanese towns, including Arnoun, Kfar Tebnit, and Kfar Remman. Shelling was also reported in areas of Nabatieh and Marjayoun districts.
Israeli Military Says Operation Is Expanding
Israel’s military said its forces had launched a large-scale operation in the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Salouqi areas.
It also said ground troops were expanding what it called the Forward Defense Line in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials confirmed that forces had crossed the Litani River, marking a deeper advance into Lebanese territory.
The Israeli military also reported that one 21-year-old soldier was killed in battle in southern Lebanon on Saturday, while four others were wounded.
Lebanon Accuses Israel of Scorched-Earth Policy
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of carrying out a scorched-earth policy as its forces pushed further into the south.
The advance toward Nabatieh has increased fears of a larger confrontation, especially as Israel continues fighting Hezbollah while also engaging in indirect diplomatic efforts involving Lebanon.
Israel says its operations are aimed at Hezbollah. Lebanon, however, says the expanding strikes and ground movement are worsening the humanitarian crisis and placing civilians under greater threat.
US-Israel Military Cooperation Moves Forward
In Washington, Congress advanced a plan to deepen US-Israeli military integration. The proposal could bring the two militaries closer together in areas such as weapons research, technology, and production.
Trump also said the US had intentionally avoided targeting Iran’s military institutions directly. He argued that previous US wars showed the danger of destroying a country’s institutions, pointing to Iraq as an example of what he called a failed approach.
War Enters a More Uncertain Stage
Day 93 of the Iran war shows two major developments happening at the same time. On one side, the US is continuing talks with Iran but refusing to rush into a final deal. On the other, Israel is expanding its military campaign in Lebanon, increasing pressure on Hezbollah and raising the risk of wider regional conflict.
With Iran warning of stronger retaliation, Israel pushing deeper into Lebanon, and Trump demanding tougher guarantees before any agreement, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain.