Lebanon: Negotiations with Israel separate from US-Iran talks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has stated that negotiations between his country and Israel in Washington are continuing, separate from the talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland.

“Various efforts are being made to consolidate the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, which will be followed by the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army, the return of residents, the release of prisoners, and the commencement of reconstruction,” President Aoun said during a meeting with a British parliamentary delegation.

According to a statement from the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun added that the establishment of a pilot zone is still under discussion pending approval from the Israeli side.

“The negotiations underway in Washington are aimed at building the proper foundation for a clear programme, leading to the fulfilment of all Lebanese demands; thus paving the way towards a genuine and lasting peace,” Aoun said when meeting a delegation from the Dutch foreign and migration ministries on Tuesday (23/6).

Aoun’s statement came after the latest round of negotiations—following four previous rounds—between Lebanon and Israel took place in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, as part of the process to reach an agreement between the two parties.

On Friday (19/6), the US State Department announced a new round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel to be held in Washington from 23 to 25 June.

The talks commenced after a US-Iran memorandum of understanding came into effect on Thursday (18/6), with US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian having signed the understanding document electronically.

Israel’s attacks on Lebanon have killed more than 4,100 people and wounded over 12,000 others since 2 March, according to official Lebanese data. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some of which have been held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 war.