Iran's top diplomat on Tuesday said any agreement to end the war with the United States would require Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon, a condition already rejected by Israel and one that could jeopardize efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire, reports Associated Press.
The proposed agreement between Washington and Tehran has not yet been made public, and officials involved have at times offered differing interpretations of its terms. Although Israel is not a party to the deal, it has been directly involved in the conflict after joining US strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Israel has also been engaged in fighting with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon and has taken control of large areas in the country's south.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Israel's continued presence in southern Lebanon would violate the spirit of the agreement.
"Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end," Araghchi said.
However, a US official familiar with the framework of the agreement said it does not include any requirement for Israel to leave Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated on Monday that Israeli forces would remain there "as long as necessary."
Previous attempts to end the conflict have been hindered by similar disagreements, resulting in a fragile ceasefire that failed to evolve into a permanent peace arrangement. The uncertainty has also affected the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments, which remains effectively closed.
Switzerland's foreign ministry said a signing ceremony for the agreement is scheduled for Friday at the Bürgenstock resort near Luzern.
Lebanon issue adds complexity
Pakistan, which helped facilitate negotiations, has said the agreement calls for an end to military operations, including those in Lebanon, in line with Iran's longstanding position. Araghchi's latest remarks, however, have highlighted fresh differences over the issue.
The dispute places Israel in a difficult position as it seeks to weaken Hezbollah's military capabilities while avoiding tensions with its closest ally, the United States. Israel launched its operation in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired missiles across the border during the early stages of the war. Since then, Israeli forces have expanded their presence in the area and carried out strikes deep inside Beirut.
Although Hezbollah has suffered significant setbacks, it still retains the ability to launch attacks against Israel, raising questions about the long-term effectiveness of Israel's campaign.
As of Tuesday evening, Netanyahu had not reviewed the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. Another source said Israeli officials had not requested a copy of the document from US negotiators.
Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment, while the White House declined to say whether Israeli leaders had been briefed on the agreement.
Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, told NPR that while Israel has not seen the details of the agreement, the reported inclusion of Lebanon was "unnecessary and unhelpful."
Differences over Lebanon have also exposed tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv. US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was dissatisfied with Israel's handling of the conflict with Hezbollah.
"It just goes on forever," Trump said, referring to Israel's strategy.
Israeli military operations in Lebanon have killed nearly 4,000 people, including hundreds of civilians, and displaced more than one million others.
"Israel's fighting Hezbollah too long, and too many people are being killed," Trump said.
END/AP/ASA
