Key facts
- US President Donald Trump announced a peace deal with Iran, ending a naval blockade and fighting on all fronts.
- Iran's National Security Council confirmed the deal includes an end to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, and will be signed Friday.
- European and Indo-Pacific leaders welcomed the deal, citing potential for regional stability and easing the energy crisis.
- Despite the deal, reports emerged of Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon.
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated the agreement does not bind Israel and asserted its sovereignty.
- Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to occupy southern Lebanon and retaliate against any Iranian attacks.
- The deal was brokered with crucial diplomatic efforts from Qatar and Pakistan.
US President Donald Trump announced a peace deal with Iran, signaling an end to a naval blockade and fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon. The agreement, slated for signing on Friday, was hailed by European and Indo-Pacific leaders as a crucial step toward regional stability and easing global economic pressures, particularly concerning energy. Iran's National Security Council confirmed the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade and the cessation of hostilities across all fronts. European officials, including EU President Antonio Costa and foreign policy chief Kallas, welcomed the deal, emphasizing its potential for nuclear talks and easing the energy crisis. However, reports emerged of continued Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon despite the agreement. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted that Israel is not bound by the US-Iran agreement, emphasizing the nation's sovereignty and security concerns. Defence Minister Israel Katz further vowed to occupy southern Lebanon and retaliate against any Iranian attacks related to the conflict there. The deal was facilitated by significant diplomatic efforts from Qatar and Pakistan, though skepticism remains among some Iranians and Lebanese due to past breaches of commitments.