Key facts
- Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire that is set to begin Friday.
- The ceasefire agreement was brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, with assistance from Iran.
- The U.S. conveyed to Iran that Israel would not escalate military action in Lebanon.
- Israel stated its commitment to the truce, contingent on Hezbollah's adherence.
- Hezbollah has rejected the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal.
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire set to begin Friday, a senior U.S. official said. The agreement, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar with assistance from Iran, aims to de-escalate tensions and potentially keep nuclear talks on track, though Hezbollah has rejected the deal.
U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland, planned for Friday, were canceled as fighting flared in Lebanon, creating uncertainty about negotiations vital for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The senior U.S. official stated that the ceasefire would come into effect at 4 p.m. Lebanon time. The flare-up, which killed 18 people in airstrikes and four Israeli soldiers, could weigh heavily on broader negotiations, as ending the fighting in Lebanon is a condition for a U.S.-Iran accord.
Israel has reiterated its commitment to the truce, provided Hezbollah complies. However, a senior Hezbollah lawmaker indicated that Iran had informed the group that talks with the U.S. could not continue without a comprehensive ceasefire. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson stated that the U.S. bears direct responsibility for Israeli attacks on Lebanon and that Tehran would take necessary measures to protect its interests.