United States: Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire aimed at ending months of cross-border hostilities, the United States announced on Wednesday, raising hopes for a wider diplomatic breakthrough that could help end the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
According to a joint statement released by the US State Department following talks in Washington, the ceasefire is contingent upon a complete halt to attacks by Hezbollah and the withdrawal of all its operatives from the South Litani sector. The agreement also calls for the Lebanese Armed Forces to assume exclusive control of designated areas, excluding all non-state armed groups.
The two sides agreed to continue direct negotiations on political and security issues and are expected to reconvene during the week of June 22 to pursue a comprehensive settlement.
The announcement came amid renewed regional tensions after Iran struck targets in Kuwait, damaging facilities at Kuwait International Airport and injuring dozens. Tehran described the attacks as retaliation for recent US military operations near the Strait of Hormuz, while Kuwait condemned the incident and temporarily suspended airport operations before later resuming flights.
The US military rejected Iranian claims that the airport damage was caused by malfunctioning interceptor missiles, stating that Iranian drones deliberately targeted the facility. Washington also confirmed conducting new defensive strikes against missile launch sites and naval assets in southern Iran and near the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the ceasefire initiative, violence continued on the ground. Israeli drone strikes reportedly killed at least six people in southern Lebanon, while Israel said it intercepted a hostile aircraft believed to have been launched by Hezbollah. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any Israeli attack on Beirut would trigger a decisive response from Tehran.
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations with Iran, saying progress could be achieved as early as this weekend. Trump said efforts were underway to separate discussions over the Strait of Hormuz from the conflict involving Lebanon and Hezbollah.
The ceasefire agreement marks the most significant diplomatic development in recent weeks, but continued military exchanges across the region underscore the fragility of efforts to prevent a broader Middle East conflict.