Iran and Lebanon push for Israeli withdrawal amid nuclear talks

Lebanon and Iran are employing distinct yet coordinated strategies to achieve Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory occupied during the recent war. Lebanon is pursuing direct negotiations with Israel, with the fifth round of talks slated for Washington next Monday. Simultaneously, Iran is leveraging its influence to ensure a full Israeli withdrawal precedes any potential nuclear agreement with the United States.

A source within Lebanon's "Shiite duo," comprising Hezbollah and the Amal movement, revealed that Iran has communicated to Hezbollah its intention not to finalize any nuclear deal until Israel vacates all occupied Lebanese territory. This stance was echoed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated that ending the war would be incomplete without Israeli withdrawal. He warned that any future Israeli military action against Lebanon or continued occupation would be viewed as a violation of a memorandum of understanding.

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Hezbollah was informed by the Iranian side that Israel, after the agreement is signed next Friday, must begin a gradual withdrawal from inside occupied Lebanese territory and complete the withdrawal

Lebanon's negotiation team, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, is preparing for the upcoming Washington talks. The Lebanese presidency indicated that President Joseph Aoun and Salam discussed preparations, viewing the U.S.-Iranian understanding as a positive development for regional stability. However, they reaffirmed Lebanon's firm negotiating position, which includes a final ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army to the international border, release of Lebanese prisoners, and reconstruction efforts.

On a parallel track, Iran and Hezbollah are working towards a ceasefire, a halt to Israeli attacks, and guarantees for Lebanon's territorial integrity. According to an anonymous source, an agreement between Iran and the U.S. stipulates these conditions, requiring Israeli commitment secured by the United States. Hezbollah has been informed that Israel must commence a gradual withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory shortly after the nuclear agreement is signed, completing the process within a 60-day timeframe.

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Any military attack by the Zionist entity against Lebanon from now on, and any continued occupation of Lebanese territory from now on, will be considered, from our point of view, a violation of the memorandum of understanding.