Iran Negotiations: Israel Orders Halt to Fighting in Lebanon

Israel's military has ordered a cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon, according to an army spokesperson. "The Israeli forces have received updated ceasefire instructions from the political leadership," the spokesperson stated Saturday, adding that the army would continue to operate "defensively" in the region.

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The Israeli forces have received updated ceasefire instructions from the political leadership.

This directive follows a period of significant escalation between the Israeli army and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Both factions have accused each other of breaching a ceasefire announced by the United States on Friday. Lebanese authorities reported approximately 100 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes on Friday and Saturday. Conversely, the Israeli army stated that Hezbollah launched "more than 50 rockets" at Israeli forces overnight, and five soldiers were killed in clashes over the preceding 48 hours.

The intensified fighting in Lebanon has heightened tensions just before crucial negotiations between the U.S. and Iran scheduled in Switzerland. In response to the escalating conflict, Iran had announced a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. Iranian media later confirmed that the country's delegation had arrived in Switzerland for the talks, which also involve U.S. Vice President JD Vance, President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

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more than 50 rockets

The Strait of Hormuz is expected to be a significant topic in the discussions. Following Iran's earlier threat to close the waterway, the U.S. military reiterated that Tehran has no control over maritime traffic there, asserting that passage continues unimpeded. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously threatened to impose tolls on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. He stated on his online platform "Truth Social" that no tolls would be levied during the 60-day negotiation period with Iran, unless no agreement is reached. Trump suggested the U.S. could impose tolls in its favor to recoup "past, present, and future costs" for services rendered as "guardian angels" to Middle Eastern countries.

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it will be no toll in the Strait of Hormuz within the 60-day negotiation time - unless no agreement is reached with Iran.

The existing framework agreement stipulates that Iran cannot impose fees during the 60-day negotiation period. Future arrangements are to be negotiated between Iran and Oman, respecting international law and involving regional states. This specific point was anticipated to be a source of contention.

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and to be reimbursed for past, present and future costs