Trump Claims Lebanon Conflict Easing, Pursuing Peace Deal with Iran
Donald Trump has stated his belief that a deal with Iran can be reached “within the next week,” following reports that Iran had suspended negotiations with the United States due to ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon. The primary objectives of the negotiations are to extend the ceasefire and ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump claimed to have held productive discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior representatives of Hezbollah. In a social media post, Trump stated that Israeli forces previously moving towards Beirut have been ordered to return, and that Hezbollah has agreed to cease all crossfire, with Israel promising not to attack them.
However, the diplomatic situation remains volatile. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard had previously threatened to expand the conflict and close the Strait of Hormuz if Israeli invasions in Lebanon continued. Iranian officials have blamed Israel’s actions for the suspension of communication through mediators, with some leaders suggesting that the US has failed to uphold ceasefire commitments.
While the Lebanese government announced that Hezbollah agreed to a US proposal to halt attacks on Israel—provided Israel ceases strikes on the southern outskirts of Beirut—the situation on the ground is inconsistent. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasised that the Israeli military would continue to operate according to plan in southern Lebanon, warning that attacks on Israeli citizens would be met with strikes on terrorist targets in Beirut. Similarly, Hezbollah representatives expressed support for a full ceasefire contingent upon the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
As of now, active combat persists, with both sides reporting recent exchanges of fire. The Lebanese government is preparing for further US-mediated negotiations scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, aiming to establish a long-term ceasefire amidst the broader regional conflict that escalated following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.