The fragile peace agreement between the United States and Iran faces uncertainty as Israel intensifies its military operations in southern Lebanon. The deal, signed earlier this week, includes a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a formal peace accord.
However, talks due to begin in Switzerland were disrupted after Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least 18 people. Iran subsequently said its negotiators would not proceed until there were signs that the agreement’s provisions regarding Lebanon were being implemented.
Analysts warn that Israel’s continued bombardment of southern Lebanon could undermine efforts to end regional hostilities. Israeli forces currently control parts of southern Lebanon and have carried out near-daily attacks since March, causing thousands of deaths and displacing more than one million people.
Although the US-Iran agreement commits both parties to respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Israeli officials have indicated they do not plan to withdraw from occupied areas, raising further doubts about the future of the peace process.
