Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire amid U.S.-Iran deal uncertainty

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, a U.S. official announced, following a significant escalation of hostilities that threatened to derail a fragile regional agreement. The truce, negotiated by American mediators after talks with both Israel and Iran, aims to halt the intense cross-border fighting that has gripped southern Lebanon.

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The announcement came after Israel reported the deaths of four soldiers and subsequently launched extensive airstrikes into Lebanon, killing at least 47 people, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. This marked the most severe outbreak of violence since Washington and Tehran revealed a deal earlier in the week to end the conflict, a condition Tehran, an ally of Hezbollah, had insisted upon for a cessation of hostilities on all fronts.

Despite the reported agreement, the situation remained tense. The Lebanese state news agency NNA reported an Israeli attack in the town of Sejud shortly after the ceasefire was announced. An AFP correspondent also heard artillery fire in the southern city of Nabatieh. These reports cast doubt on the immediate effectiveness of the truce.

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Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts faced setbacks. Talks scheduled between the United States and Iran in Switzerland to further develop the agreement and work toward a lasting settlement were postponed. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, speaking with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasized the need for a comprehensive ceasefire to allow progress in discussions with Israel. The State Department confirmed negotiations would resume in Washington from June 23-25, with a spokesperson stating these discussions would offer an opportunity to "achieve progress toward lasting peace."

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During the call with Aoun, Rubio reiterated the U.S. stance on disarming Hezbollah and restoring Lebanese control over its territory. Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, stated his country would adhere to the ceasefire if Hezbollah reciprocated. However, hardline Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had earlier declared, "All of Lebanon must burn," a statement that drew accusations of a desire for "permanent war" from Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Many residents in southern Lebanon fled their homes amid the attacks, packing vehicles with belongings as they sought safety.

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