Israel, Hezbollah agree to Lebanon ceasefire amid postponed U.S.-Iran talks

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday, halting a dangerous escalation of conflict that had threatened to derail broader peace efforts in the Middle East. The agreement was reached with mediation from the United States and Qatar, with input from Iran.

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We understand that after the exchange of fire earlier today, Israel and Hezbollah are now in a state of ceasefire.

A senior U.S. official confirmed the ceasefire took effect Friday afternoon. "We understand that after the exchange of fire earlier today, Israel and Hezbollah are now in a state of ceasefire," the official stated. Hezbollah sources confirmed they were observing the truce, and a senior Israeli official added that if Hezbollah ceased attacks, Israel would consider the period not to be one of war. Israeli forces, however, will remain in southern Lebanon within a border zone they occupy.

The conflict, which resulted in 18 deaths from airstrikes and four Israeli soldiers killed by Hezbollah fighters, had cast uncertainty over crucial U.S.-Iran negotiations. These talks, aimed at securing a temporary halt to the war in Iran and potentially forging a wider peace agreement, were postponed as fighting intensified. The outcome of these negotiations is considered critical for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

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If Hezbollah does not attack us, for us it is not a period of war.

Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which had been progressing towards technical discussions at a Swiss resort, faced a setback. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf were not expected to attend. The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed the postponement, reiterating Switzerland's readiness to host the talks. Hezbollah legislator Hassan Fadlallah indicated that Iran's participation in further discussions hinges on the full implementation of the ceasefire and that the Lebanese government should not engage in direct negotiations with Israel while attacks persist.

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Iran considers that the further conduct of negotiations depends on the full implementation of the ceasefire and that the Lebanese government should not accept direct negotiations with Israel as long as the attacks continue.