Source: Kataeb.org
Lebanon's campaign against organized crime in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel region has evolved far beyond a series of routine security raids, with authorities now pursuing a strategy aimed at dismantling the financial and logistical foundations of the country's Captagon trade, according to information obtained by Annahar.
Sunday, July 26, 2026
The sources said the proposed arrangement resembles a model used by Washington in Syria, where U.S. authorities provide intelligence on suspected weapons storage sites, tunnel networks or arms shipments believed to be linked to Hezbollah, while local forces carry out operations on the ground.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
In June, the United States signed two documents bearing on Lebanon: a memorandum of understanding with Iran, and a Trilateral Framework Agreement with Israel and Lebanon. Both included a cease-fire commitment between Israel and Lebanon, but the first emboldened the Iranian regime, while the second empowered the Lebanese state. Only one of these initiatives can prevail. The chances of Lebanon’s sovereignty triumphing over Iranian hegemony have increased with the signing of the June 26 framework agreement; however, the Lebanese state has a long fight ahead, and the Trump administration needs to help.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Hamas announced this month it would dissolve its government in Gaza to transfer control to a US-backed Palestinian committee. This was one of the mandates of the US-brokered peace deal between Israel and Hamas last year.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Portugal defeated Spain in penalty kicks 5- 3 to win the UEFA Nations League final late on Sunday after both sides failed to score in extra time following a showdown that ended 2-2.
Monday, June 9, 2025
Carlos Alcaraz mounted an extraordinary comeback to win the men’s final at Roland Garros on Sunday, defeating world No. 1 Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2).
Monday, June 9, 2025
Wednesday 17 June 2026 11:24:16
A draft 14-point agreement between the United States and Iran, obtained by Al Arabiya English, offers the clearest picture yet of a proposed framework aimed at extending the current ceasefire, reopening key regional shipping routes, and launching negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. The document, which still requires final approval from both sides, outlines a 60-day diplomatic process covering nuclear issues, sanctions relief, regional security arrangements, and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, while also addressing conflicts involving Iran-backed groups across the Middle East, including in Lebanon.
2. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States 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 undertake to negotiate and reach a final agreement within a maximum period of 60 days, extendable by mutual consent.
4. Immediately upon the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, the United States Lift the naval blockade and prevent any interference or obstruction against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and restore traffic within a maximum of 30 days to its full capacity; the traffic of ships shall be proportional to the pre-war volume of traffic on the part of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States also undertakes to withdraw its forces from the surrounding areas within 30 days after the final agreement.
5. Upon signing this Memorandum of Understanding, the Islamic Republic of Iran will immediately take steps to ensure that the movement of merchant ships from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa is resumed within 30 days to the pre-war volume, taking into account the need for the removal of technical obstacles and the neutralization of mines by Iran.
6. The United States undertakes, together with its regional partners, to create a comprehensive plan agreed upon by both parties for the rehabilitation and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, While ensuring financing of at least $300 billion. The implementation mechanism of this plan, as part of the final agreement, will be formulated within 60 days.
7. The United States commits to ending, on a schedule to be agreed upon as part of the final agreement, all types of sanctions currently facing the Islamic Republic of Iran, including resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and all unilateral U.S. sanctions, both primary and secondary.
8. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates that it will never produce nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States have agreed that the fate of enriched material and the fate of all other mutually agreed nuclear-related issues, including Iran’s nuclear needs, will be adequately addressed in a final agreement; the final agreement will confirm the provisions of this Article.
9. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States agree that, pending a final agreement, they will maintain the status quo: Iran will maintain the status quo on its nuclear program, and the United States will not impose new sanctions on Iran or strengthen its forces in the region.
10. The United States undertakes that immediately after the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, and until the date of the lifting of sanctions, the United States Treasury Department will issue waivers for exports of Iranian crude oil, petrochemical products and their derivatives, and all related services, including banking, insurance, transportation, and the like.
11. The United States undertakes that, in light of the progress of negotiations towards a final agreement, frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be released and made fully available. These funds, whether held in the master account or transferred, will be used for any final beneficiary payment determined by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran and will be fully available for use. The United States undertakes to issue all necessary permits and licenses on this basis.
12. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States agree that an implementation mechanism will be established to oversee the successful implementation of and future commitment to the Final Agreement.
13. Following the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, and upon receipt of assurances regarding the commencement of implementation of Articles 4, 5, 10, and 11 of this Memorandum of Understanding, and the continued implementation of these steps, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States will enter into negotiations for a Final Agreement solely with respect to the remaining Articles.
14. The final agreement will be approved through a binding resolution of the UN Security Council.

