Hezbollah Links Ceasefire Stance to Iran Track

Hezbollah is adhering to a ceasefire while meticulously documenting Israeli violations, a stance that aligns with broader understandings between Iran and the United States, according to political writer Harith Suleiman.

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Hezbollah wants Iran, not Lebanon, to negotiate on its behalf.

Suleiman told Asharq Al-Awsat that Hezbollah's commitment to the ceasefire is not an independent Lebanese decision but part of a larger negotiation track involving Iran. "Hezbollah wants Iran, not Lebanon, to negotiate on its behalf," he stated, emphasizing the group's effort to make Lebanon a component of US-Iran discussions.

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It is trying to make Lebanon part of the negotiations between Iran and the United States, and to present the ceasefire as part of an understanding between America, Israel and Iran, not as part of the Lebanese track.

Hezbollah's strategy, Suleiman explained, is to use its documented ceasefire violations as a message to Iran. This signals that the agreement is being breached and prompts Iran, in coordination with the United States and Israel, to intervene. This dynamic places Hezbollah firmly within the "Iranian track" rather than a purely Lebanese one.

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When Hezbollah says it is committed to the ceasefire while Israel is violating it, it is effectively sending a message to Iran. It is saying: The agreement we are part of is being violated, and you, together with the United States and Israel, must act. That is why Hezbollah is part of the Iranian track, not the Lebanese track.

The group's continued commitment to calm is directly tied to the success of negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Should Iran opt to escalate or create a crisis, Hezbollah would be prepared to act accordingly. However, as long as these talks progress favorably, Iran has little incentive to use Hezbollah to disrupt the situation. Suleiman noted that practical steps, not ideological rhetoric, ultimately dictate the course of action on the ground, with Hezbollah's conduct remaining contingent on Iran's decisions.

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As long as negotiations between the Americans and Iranians are going well, Iran does not need Hezbollah to create a problem to improve its negotiating position. That is why Hezbollah is committed to calm and to the agreement. But if Iran decides to open a front or create a crisis, Hezbollah will be ready to move in that direction.