Lebanon ceasefire agreed after Swiss talks scrapped
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon, a US official said, adding that the escalation of fighting there jeopardizes the chances of a temporary deal to end the war in Iran turning into a permanent Middle East peace deal.
US-Iran talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland were canceled after fighting flared in Lebanon, creating new uncertainty about the timing of vital talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
The senior US official said shortly before 4pm Lebanese time that the ceasefire would go into effect then.
“Following the mutual ceasefire earlier today, we understand that Israel and Hezbollah are now in a ceasefire,” the official said on background, adding that U.S. and Qatari negotiators resolved the deal with the help of Iran.
The flare-up in Lebanon, where 18 people have been killed and four Israeli soldiers killed in airstrikes by Hezbollah militants, could weigh heavily on negotiations because an end to hostilities there is a condition of a broader US-Iran deal.
A senior Hezbollah lawmaker said Iran had told the group that talks with the United States could not continue without a comprehensive ceasefire.
An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman did not mention the talks but said direct responsibility for Israel’s attacks on Lebanon lies with the United States and that Tehran will take all necessary measures to protect its interests.
