Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Amidst Reported US-Iran Deal Progress
Lebanese state media reports Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, coinciding with claims from Iran that a deal with the US is nearing finalization.
Charbel Karam/Unsplash
Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, ordering residents to leave approximately 20 locations, according to Lebanese state media. One person was killed in the town of Marrakeh, located in Lebanon’s Tyre district, as reported by the Lebanese National News Agency.
These strikes follow warnings from Israel’s prime minister that the country would target Hezbollah if attacks against northern Israel continued. The airstrikes occurred as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is mediating talks between the U.S. and Iran, stated that a peace deal is closer than ever, with finalization expected within 24 hours.
Iran’s foreign minister also indicated that a deal to end the fighting with the U.S. is imminent. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, stated that the agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of a U.S. blockade on Iran. He added that negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program would commence at a later stage.
U.S. officials have confirmed some details of the agreement, noting that any economic benefits for Iran would be contingent upon Tehran fulfilling its obligations. Reports from the U.S. have suggested that Lebanon’s inclusion in this deal was insisted upon by Iran.
The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes across Iran on February 28, which prompted Iran to attack Israel and U.S.-allied states in the Gulf. This also led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas. Despite agreeing to a ceasefire in April, intermittent exchanges of fire have occurred between the U.S. and Iran, including two rounds of retaliatory strikes in the preceding week.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously stated on Thursday that scheduled attacks against Iran were canceled due to a settlement being reached and likely to be signed imminently. U.S. officials briefed journalists on Friday, detailing that the agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iranian shipping. These measures are expected to take effect immediately, followed by a 60-day negotiation period focused on Iran’s enriched uranium.
The agreement also calls for Iran to cease funding proxy groups in the region, a reference to Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies. U.S. officials emphasized that the memorandum of understanding is based on verified performance rather than trust, with economic benefits for Iran being contingent on the implementation of its commitments.
