The truce was mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Iran and took effect immediately. The agreement seeks to preserve the peace process driven by Donald Trump and prevent the Lebanese front from undermining negotiations with Tehran
Israel and the terrorist group Hezbollah agreed this Friday to an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, according to diplomatic sources confirmed to the AFP agency.
The truce was negotiated by the United States, Qatar, and Iran, which have held intense discussions in recent weeks to prevent the Lebanese front from derailing the broader agreement reached between Washington and Tehran.
A U.S. official confirmed on condition of anonymity that the understanding took effect immediately after talks with the various parties involved.
For its part, a Gulf diplomat also confirmed that Israel and Hezbollah agreed to cease hostilities thanks to the joint mediation of Doha, Washington, and Tehran.
The agreement aims to protect the peace process promoted by Trump
The truce comes just hours after Donald Trump and Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian digitally signed the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending more than three months of war in the Middle East.
For weeks, the Iranian regime had been warning that Israeli attacks in Lebanon constituted one of the main threats to the continuity of the diplomatic process.
The agreement seeks to protect the peace process promoted by Trump
In fact, the agreement signed between the United States and Iran explicitly includes the extension of the ceasefire to Lebanese territory.
Trump toughened his message towards Iran
As the truce was announced, Trump reiterated his firm stance against the Iranian regime and stated that it was Tehran that sought to approach Washington.
“We did not meet out of desperation; it was Iran that did. They are finished”, the U.S. president wrote on Truth Social.
Trump also insisted that during the initial 60-day period outlined in the agreement, Iran will not receive U.S. funds or direct financial relief.
The truce comes after new attacks and Israeli casualties
The agreement comes after a new escalation of violence in southern Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces reported this Friday the death of four Israeli soldiers in an attack with explosive drones attributed to Hezbollah.
The truce comes after new attacks and Israeli casualties
Among the deceased is Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedalya, 32 years old.
Additionally, another reservist officer was seriously injured and three soldiers suffered minor injuries in a second drone attack recorded during the night.
Despite the ceasefire coming into effect, the IDF had previously reported that they continued to attack Hezbollah terrorist infrastructures at various points in southern Lebanon.
JD Vance urged Israel to respect the peace process
The Trump administration increased pressure on the government of Benjamin Netanyahu in recent hours to avoid actions that could jeopardize the regional agreement.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance publicly urged Israel to respect the ongoing diplomatic process.
“Donald Trump is the only head of state in the world who sympathizes with the nation of Israel at this moment”, Vance stated, while calling for avoiding decisions that compromise the progress made.
With the ceasefire now in effect, the Lebanese front joins the regional de-escalation process promoted by Washington, although significant questions remain about the stability of the agreement and the future of Hezbollah within Iran's regional strategy.
