Iran’s chief negotiator warns retaliation will be ‘faster, heavier and more painful’ after U.S. hits tankers in response to attack attempt on warships

The U.S. military has denied Iran ’s claim to have struck an unmanned American military vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “total lie.”

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed four people and leveled a hospital, according to Lebanese authorities, near an area that has become a flashpoint in fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Here’s a look at the latest news in the Middle East. Full coverage can be found here.

Iran says it hit a US boat in latest Hormuz salvo

State-run media in Tehran said the U.S. vessel was trying to enter an area that Iran says is restricted in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The report came from Iranian state media and it’s a total lie,” said Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for U.S. Central Command.

It came a day after the U.S. said it struck Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for Iran launching ballistic missiles at Navy warships.

Attacks resumed last week after roughly a month of quiet.

The war began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. But since a ceasefire agreement was announced in June, on-and-off fighting has persisted with both sides trying to inflict military and economic pain as negotiations have collapsed.

Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said the era of “proportionate responses” is over, and that from now on, Iran’s retaliation will be “faster, heavier and more painful.”

Israeli strikes kill 4 in Lebanon and........

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