Lebanon, Iran Pursue Parallel Tracks for Israeli Withdrawal Amid Nuclear Deal Talks

Lebanon and Iran are pursuing distinct yet parallel strategies aimed at securing Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory. Lebanon is actively engaged in direct negotiations with Israel, with the fifth session of talks slated to occur in Washington next Monday. Concurrently, Iran is leveraging its influence to expedite the withdrawal process, reportedly linking it to the finalization of a nuclear agreement with Washington within a 60-day timeframe.

A source from the "Shiite duo," comprising Hezbollah and the Amal movement, informed Asharq Al-Awsat that Iran has communicated to Hezbollah its intention not to sign any nuclear agreement before Israel fully withdraws from Lebanese territory. Lebanon has consistently maintained that direct talks with Israel must address a comprehensive set of demands, with the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas being paramount.

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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

While leaks suggest the declared understanding between Washington and Tehran makes no mention of the withdrawal issue, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Tuesday that ending the war would be incomplete "without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied in this war." He further cautioned that any future Israeli military attack on Lebanon or continued occupation would be considered a violation of the memorandum of understanding.

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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.

The Lebanese state is pressing forward with its negotiation track, with security and diplomatic sessions scheduled in Washington from Monday to Wednesday. President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discussed the preparations, describing the US-Iranian understanding as a positive factor for regional stability. They reaffirmed Lebanon's firm stance in the Washington negotiations, which includes a final ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army to the international border, release of Lebanese prisoners, and the commencement of reconstruction.

Meanwhile, Iran and Hezbollah are advancing their parallel strategy. A source, speaking anonymously, revealed that the agreement between Iran and the United States stipulates a ceasefire, a halt to Israeli attacks, and a guarantee of Lebanon's territorial integrity. This commitment requires Israeli adherence, reportedly guaranteed by the United States. Hezbollah has been informed by Iran that Israel must begin a gradual withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory shortly after the agreement is signed, aiming for completion within 60 days.

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Lebanon’s firm position in the Washington negotiations on a final ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army up to the international border, the release of Lebanese prisoners and the start of reconstruction.