US envoy Hochstein returns to Beirut amid escalating Hezbollah-Israel tensions and fear of wider war

Amos Hochstein, the US special envoy, who last visited Beirut in June amid intense Hezbollah-Israel conflict, returns as tensions escalate. Hezbollah’s anticipated retaliation for the recent assassination of a top commander threatens to widen the confrontation. Hochstein met with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, expressing optimism but acknowledging that Hezbollah's actions are linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Recent assassinations and calls for restraint from Iran and its allies have heightened fears of a broader regional war. Despite diplomatic efforts, Lebanon faces a challenging path to de-escalation as analysts warn of further conflict.