https://backend.nna-leb.gov.lb/enالوكالة الوطنية للإعلامSun, 28 Jun 2026 12:15:27 +0300Sun, 21 Jun 2026 20:03:55 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222465NNA - Iranian Parliament Speaker and Tehran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, advised Washington to be careful with its rhetoric after US President Donald Trump threatened to resume military strikes against Iran, even as a new round of negotiations between the two sides began in Switzerland on Sunday, according to AFP. In a post on X, Qalibaf dismissed the effectiveness of US threats, writing: “If their threats had any impact, they would not have reached this point of desperation. We do not consider American threats.” He added: “They would be better off watching what they say. Our armed forces are prepared to respond in a different way. Whatever they say, we are the ones who take action.” ==============https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222465Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:49:39 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222461NNA - Iranian state television reported Sunday that negotiating teams from Tehran and Washington held their first round of talks in Switzerland, focusing on the situation in Lebanon without addressing the nuclear issue. The state television correspondent reported, "No negotiations took place regarding Iran's nuclear program during the first round of talks, which lasted 80 minutes," noting that the discussions "focused on implementing Article 13 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, with Lebanon being the priority," according to AFP. ============https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222461Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:43:19 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222464NNA - US President Donald Trump renewed his threats against Iran on Sunday despite the start of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, according to Sky News Arabia. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the United States could become the "guardian angel" of the Strait of Hormuz and could claim a 20 percent share of its oil revenues. He warned that Washington could take control of the strategic waterway if necessary, adding that Iran would face severe military action if it attempted to close it. Trump also repeated his warning that if Iran does not sign an agreement with the United States, Washington could impose fees on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Fox News, Trump said he spoke with Iranian officials overnight and warned them against closing the strait after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly announced restrictions on navigation due to escalating regional tensions. Trump said he delivered a direct message to Tehran, warning that closing the strait would have devastating consequences for Iran. He also called on Iran to restrain its allies in Lebanon, referring to Hezbollah, and warned that the United States could resume military strikes against Iran if attacks linked to Iranian-backed groups continue. ============https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222464Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:25:46 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222463NNA - House Speaker Nabih Berri stated Sunday that he remains in constant contact with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam despite differences in viewpoints, stressing that all sides share key priorities: Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, deployment of the Lebanese Army, the return of displaced residents, the release of detainees, and a reconstruction plan backed by Arab and international support. Berri praised Lebanese communities and political parties for hosting fellow displaced brethrens as a result of Israel’s systematic destruction of villages in the south. He welcomed efforts that led to the ceasefire and expressed hope it would hold, saying this depends on Israel’s commitment to the agreement, for negotiations ought not take place under military pressure. Berri revealed that Israel itself requested a ceasefire through the international mechanism committee overseeing the cessation of hostilities, noting that Israel agreed to the ceasefire following US pressure after two days of intense attacks in southern Lebanon that martyred dozens of civilians, including emergency responders, paramedics, elderly people, women, and children. He reiterated that Hezbollah remains committed to the ceasefire, while accusing Israel of repeatedly violating it, and welcomed any international effort aimed at pressuring Israel to end its aggression against Lebanon. Rejecting the idea of “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, Berri considered that negotiating their geographic boundaries could take two years. Instead, he proposed relying on the existing administrative divisions of the south, with a phased Israeli withdrawal from each district occurring simultaneously with the deployment of the Lebanese Army. He said a clear timetable for Israeli withdrawal and army deployment would be the fastest path to ending the occupation and allowing displaced residents to return home. The Speaker also stated that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from any district, such as the district of Tyre, should coincide with the deployment of the Lebanese Army and the return of the district’s residents. He added that Israeli withdrawal would be matched by the area being free of weapons, saying he had pledged on Hezbollah’s behalf that the area south of the Litani River would be cleared of weapons, provided Israel fulfills its commitments. He concluded by calling for a phased, district-by-district implementation plan overseen by the Lebanese Army, with parallel Israeli withdrawals and the gradual return of displaced residents to their villages. ===========https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222463Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:04:20 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222462NNA - Army Commander, General Rudolph Haykal, inspected Sunday military operational units deployed in the areas of Nabatieh, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Kfar Remman, Choukin, Zrarieh, and the vicinity of Kfar Tebnit. He reviewed the operational situation, the units' missions, and the challenges they face amidst ongoing Israeli attacks and violations. Haykal emphasized the importance of the measures undertaken to ensure the safety of citizens in areas subjected to Israeli attacks. He also affirmed the vital role of the army in all Lebanese regions, particularly in the south, noting that the military institution will remain a source of trust for the Lebanese people. =============https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222462Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:51:00 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222460NNA - Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on Sunday that the declared ceasefire in Lebanon is "fragile" and that the army "continues to fight" there, according to Sky News Arabia. Speaking in southern Lebanon, Zamir said: "We continue to fight. Our goal remains clear: to defend the towns in northern Israel and Israeli civilians. This is the goal that guides all our efforts, and the operations in the Ali Taher and Beaufort areas also serve this objective." The Chief of Staff also stated that Hezbollah is facing "a very difficult situation" as he was inspecting the Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. ===============https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222460Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:42:00 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222459NNA - The Public Health Ministry's Emergency Operations Center stated on Sunday that the cumulative toll resulting from the aggression between March 2nd and June 21st has reached 4,106 martyrs and 12,153 wounded. =============https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222459Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:36:42 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222458NNA – US Vice President Jay D. Vance said on Sunday that President Donald Trump had requested a "new chapter" to change relations between the United States and the Iranian people, according to Sky News Arabia. Before the talks, Vance described them as "historic" and said they are aimed at reaching an agreement that includes, in particular, Iran's nuclear program and related sanctions, based on the Memorandum of Understanding to end the war. He stated that the technical talks that began in Switzerland "will allow both sides to sit down together and work on resolving the various issues." "This is a historic meeting," Vance said as direct talks began between the two countries and mediators from Qatar and Pakistan in Burgenstock. "What the president has asked of us is to turn a new page in order to change our relationship with the Iranian people, and to reach out to the Iranians to tell them that if their leaders are willing to give up their role as a factor of regional instability, and if they are willing to finally give up any ambition to possess nuclear weapons, then the United States is ready for a fundamental change in its relationship with their country," Vance asserted. ==============  https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222458Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:42:10 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222457NNA - Swiss air traffic control authorities announced a technical malfunction in their air traffic control system, resulting from security measures implemented for the US-Iran talks scheduled for Sunday, according to Sky News Arabia. The Swiss air traffic control authority, Skyguide, explained that the malfunction occurred after a no-fly zone was integrated with radar display systems over the Bürgenstock mountain resort, which is hosting the negotiations. The malfunction caused flight disruptions at Zurich Airport, but the problem has since been resolved. A statement from the authority indicated that the decision to establish the no-fly zone was made only at the last minute, as the final decision to hold the latest round of talks was not made until Saturday. =============https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222457Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:37:46 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222456NNA - The town of Maghdouche welcomed on Sunday the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, during a visit to the parish of Our Lady of Mantara, where he joined Bishop Elie Bechara Haddad in the Divine Liturgy offered for peace in the town, in the presence of MP Michel Moussa, Mayor Raif Younan, several religious and official figures, and a crowd of believers. Father Paul Demirjian, parish priest of Our Lady of Mantara, welcomed the Papal Nuncio, affirming that "his visit carries a message of peace and hope for Lebanon during this critical time," and that "Maghdouche, a town of peace and coexistence, has remained steadfast in its faith and mission despite the challenges," considering the Nuncio's presence a source of moral and spiritual support for the people of the region and a confirmation of the Holy See's concern for Lebanon and its people." In turn, Mayor Younan welcomed the Papal Nuncio on behalf of the municipal council and the town's residents, stressing that "Maghdouche has always been and will remain an open and vibrant town, bound by fraternal and cooperative ties with its surroundings, particularly with the city of Sidon," adding that "its people are known for their hospitality, their attachment to their land, and their determination to remain there no matter how difficult the circumstances." Younan noted that "Maghdouche, like other areas in the South, has suffered and continues to suffer from the repercussions of the successive crises that Lebanon has endured, most recently the ongoing war," affirming that "the municipality's primary concern remains securing the interests of its residents, maintaining security and stability, and advancing development within the available resources." Over the Israeli threats and warnings targeting one of the town's neighborhoods, the mayor emphasized that "Maghdouche is free of any military presence or movements, and the municipality has contacted the relevant security authorities and issued successive statements confirming this fact, calling on the Lebanese state and relevant bodies to assume their responsibilities and take all necessary measures to protect the town and its residents." He concluded by thanking the Papal Nuncio for his visit "and the message of moral support it conveys to the people of Maghdouche for their steadfastness and attachment to their land," pledging that "the town will remain a land of faith, peace, and coexistence." In turn, the Papal Nuncio praised "the resilience of the Christians in the southern villages," considering their continued presence in the frontline villages "a remarkable example of steadfastness," and noting that his presence aims to support and thank them for their resilience in this war, which he hoped will end soon and vowed to visit many times in the future. ================    https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222456Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:51:42 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222455NNA - BEIRUT, Lebanon, June 20 — “Through our first graduation ceremony, we are waging a war on war.” With these words, Yasmine Dabbous, Majal’s cofounder and executive manager opened the school’s first graduation ceremony. “Nothing beats destruction more than making,” she added.  On Saturday June 20, Majal Design School celebrated its first graduating class at Dar Al Nimr in Hamra, marking a milestone for the institution less than two years after the launch of its certificate programs. Majal Design School launched its three certificates in September 2024, just one week before the outbreak of the Israeli war on Lebanon. The school’s first graduation comes as the country continues to face the consequences of a second war. Majal Design School offers Lebanon’s only comprehensive jewelry program at a design school, as well as the first textile design program in the history of the country. It also offers a business growth program to help students expand and scale their brands.  “What makes us different from most universities is that we’re a school with a mission,” said Pamela Daher, the school’s marketing manager and head of its business lab. “We are a social enterprise seeks to create long-term impact.” “We created Majal to address gaps in design education while supporting the growth of Lebanon’s creative industries,” she continued. “In fact, most of the graduating students have launched their brands and secured spots at local and international retailers even before graduating.” Eleven students graduated from the school’s certificate programs, including seven in jewelry design and four in textile design. The ceremony also featured an exhibition of senior student projects, alongside the results of two design competitions organized in partnership with Warde and L’Artisan du Liban. Nour Tannir, Majal’s cofounder and program manager, emphasized the practical value of design education. “Design, by definition, is a real, hands-on skill that centers around finding solutions to problems,” Tannir said. “If you learn to find a solution for a visual or operational project, you eventually learn to find solutions to all your problems.” The graduation ceremony marked not only the completion of the students’ studies, but also a statement about the role of creativity, education and making in times of uncertainty.   About Majal Design School: MAJAL is a design school based in Beirut, Lebanon, offering three certificates of completion and multiple courses in design and creation. We specialize in jewelry design, textile art and business growth. Established in 2018, MAJAL is a mission-driven school. Our target is to facilitate career opportunities in Lebanon by empowering people through real-world readiness and skill-first approach to design education.  To maximize impact, we espouse a micro-education approach: Our expert instructors deliver higher education curricula in a small class setting. During our six-week courses, they instill students with solid technical skills, advanced design thinking and entrepreneurial reasoning. Under the slogan “create, build and scale,” Majal’s skill-first approach thrusts students from class to market through up-to-date programs that respond to current market needs.    www.majaldesignschool.com www.instagram.com/majaldesignschool www.facebook.com/majaldesignschool   For more information or for interviews, please reach out to: Yasmine Dabbous, executive manager (03-866368, dabbousyasmine@gmail.com) Pamela Daher, marketing manager (71-848122, pamelamikhaell@gmail.com) ========    https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222455Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:38:02 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222454NNA - The US delegation and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived on Sunday at the hall designated for the closed-door talks between the two countries, with the participation of Pakistani and Qatari mediators, according to Sky News Arabia. In a notable scene, members of the US delegation, including Vice President J.D. Vance and envoys Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner, as well as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, exchanged warm greetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon entering the hall. However, the American officials and Araghchi avoided a direct handshake. After shaking hands with the Pakistani prime minister, Araghchi left the hall, while cameras did not capture images of Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf among the Iranian delegation members. ===========https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222454Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:30:12 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222453NNA - Kataeb Party leader MP Sami Gemayel posted on “X”: “Iran has never protected Lebanon, but rather used it as an arena for its wars and negotiations. Today it is not defending the Lebanese, but rather its military arm in Lebanon to use it again when its interests require it, even if the price is the destruction of the South and Lebanon once again." Gemayel added, "Protecting Lebanon begins with ending the Iranian tutelage, confining weapons to the Lebanese army, enabling the state to fully restore its sovereignty, liberating the land through diplomacy, and rebuilding what Iran has destroyed through Hezbollah over the decades.” =========https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222453Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:22:05 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222452NNA - The Civil Defense Directorate issued a statement today, indicating that its units from various regional centers of the Civil Defense in Nabatieh carried out search, rescue, and first aid operations in response to the ongoing attacks on the area throughout yesterday. CIvil Defense teams were able to recover the bodies of six martyrs from under the rubble and transported eight wounded individuals to hospitals for treatment. Specialized teams also worked to extinguish fires and clear secondary and main roads that had been blocked by debris and rubble resulting from the shelling, the statement continued. Despite the difficult conditions and challenges on the ground, Civil Defense units continue to carry out their humanitarian and relief missions in response to citizens' calls for help, the statement concluded. =======  https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222452Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:10:57 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222451NNA - Nabatieh - An enemy drone dropped two sound bombs, the first targeting the Kfar Tibnit roundabout and the second the vicinity of Farah amusement park in Nabatieh al-Fawqa. ========https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222451Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:42:55 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222450NNA - Lebanese Army Command's Orientation Directorate issued a statement on Sunday, indicating that its specialized units have continued dismantling unexploded aerial bombs (weighing 1,000 and 2,000 pounds) left behind as a result of the Israeli aggression in the towns of Tibnin and Khirbet Selm (Bint Jbeil), and Majdal Selm, Dibbine, and Blat (Marjeyoun). The bombs were transported to secure locations for further action, ensuring the safety of citizens in areas affected by Israeli attacks, the statement added. In the same context, army units worked to reopen main and secondary roads in the towns of Dibbine and Blat. The Army Command reminded residents to exercise caution before returning to their villages and towns along the southern border and to adhere to the instructions of the deployed military units, in order to protect themselves from the dangers of Israeli violations and attacks. ========https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222450Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:36:43 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222449NNA - US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States may impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz if negotiations with Iran fail, as the declared 60-day ceasefire expires. The president wrote on his Truth Social platform: "No tolls will be imposed in the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day ceasefire period, and no tolls will be imposed after the expiration of this period, unless imposed by the United States of America if no agreement is reached, in return for services rendered as protector of the nations of the Middle East, and to reimburse past, present, and future costs." ========https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222449Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:07:56 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222448NNA - An Israeli tank fired bursts of gunfire in the direction of the outskirts of the town of Hadatha some time ago. =========https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222448Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:04:02 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222447NNA - Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated today that there are "no restrictions on the army's operations in Lebanon," a day after the announcement of a ceasefire. Israel's Channel 12 quoted Katz as saying, "There were, and are, no restrictions on the IDF forces in Lebanon to operate and eliminate threats." He asserted that all of what he termed "the achievements of the Israeli army in the battle in Lebanon remain intact, while our forces are deployed in the security zone along the yellow line inside Lebanon, operating from there deep inside against militants and terrorist infrastructure," as he put it. According to the source, Katz said: "The ceasefire announced (on Saturday) keeps the Israeli army in all positions within the security zone protecting the northern settlements, and as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear, Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon." ==========https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222447Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:51:28 +0300https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222446NNA - This morning, delegations participating in the US-Iranian negotiations began arriving at the negotiating venue in the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland. Reports indicate that a meeting took place between the Iranian and Swiss delegations at Burgenstock before the start of negotiations with the US delegation. US Vice President Jay D. Vance and Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, will participate in the talks, which aim to permanently end the war in the Middle East based on the memorandum of understanding signed by both sides. The negotiations will be held at the Burgenstock Hotel near Lake Lucerne. =========https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/news/short/222446