Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to cease hostilities, according to the Trump administration on Wednesday. This development provides renewed hope for a broader agreement ending the ongoing US-Israeli conflict over Iran.
Earlier, Tehran tied any potential deal with the US to an end to the fighting between Israel and Lebanon. In response to US military actions near the Strait of Hormuz, Iran struck Kuwait, damaging the airport and injuring dozens of civilians.
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is dependent on a complete halting of fire from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, and the withdrawal of all its operatives from the South Litani area, the US State Department stated after talks in Washington. The joint statement emphasized that, under US guidance, both sides agreed to quickly develop pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces would take exclusive control, excluding all non-state actors.
Lebanon and Israel plan to continue negotiations to build confidence and address remaining issues. They are scheduled to reconvene in the week of June 22 for political and security talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement.
Despite a ceasefire agreed upon last month, hostilities had persisted. Israel entered Lebanon in March, targeting Hezbollah, which responded by firing across the border in support of Iran.
Recent attacks in Kuwait and the Strait of Hormuz have tested the fragile ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran. The conflict has caused oil prices to rise by nearly 2%, with the Strait remaining largely closed over three months after US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Kuwait International Airport was shut down following an attack involving Iranian drones and missiles that caused damage, one death, and over 60 injuries. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways resumed flights after implementing safety measures, according to officials.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they did not fire at Kuwait’s airport, blaming U.S. interceptor missiles for the damage. The US military countered, asserting that Iranian drones deliberately targeted the airport.
Earlier reports from Iranian media indicated potential attacks on the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, a nearby US airbase, and a vessel named Panaya. Central Command dismissed these claims, stating that its bases remained unharmed and that Iranian ballistic missiles had failed to hit their targets in the region.
The US conducted additional defensive strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian boats seeking to mine waterways. Strikes also targeted Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz following attempted Iranian attacks.
Since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February, Tehran has frequently launched attacks against targets in the Gulf region, which hosts US military installations. These hostilities have flared intermittently, despite an April ceasefire, as efforts continue to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that previously handled about 20% of global oil and LNG shipments.
Recently, Iran and the US indicated some progress toward a preliminary agreement to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait, although details are still under negotiation. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that talks had not been cut off but no significant progress had been made. The negotiations involve demands from Iran for access to billions in oil revenues, waivers on sanctions related to crude exports, removal of a US blockade on ports, and continued influence over the Strait.
US President Donald Trump, facing pressure to lower fuel prices, has prioritized preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. In a recent podcast, Trump claimed Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons, with discussions involving Supreme Leader Khamenei. Later, Trump suggested that negotiations with Iran might see progress over the upcoming weekend.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, predominantly in Iran and Lebanon, and has disrupted energy supplies worldwide, contributing to economic strain. The clash between Israel and Hezbollah has reignited, with Israeli drone strikes killing at least six people in southern Lebanon and targeting a vehicle near Beirut. Israel also intercepted an aircraft believed to be launched by Hezbollah.
Iran’s Foreign Minister warned that Iran would respond decisively if Israel attacks Beirut. Trump acknowledged during a podcast that he had referred to Netanyahu as “crazy” during an expletive-laden phone call over the Lebanese fighting, urging an end to the escalation. Netanyahu, in an interview, noted that while there might be tactical disagreements with Trump, they share common views on Iran.