Iran reaffirms its support for Hezbollah and links any wider settlement with the United States to steps aimed at ending the fighting in Lebanon. According to multiple reports, Iranian officials demand that Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon and state that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is a prerequisite for any peace deal Washington negotiates to address the broader regional conflict between the US and Iran. The remarks underline difficulties in reaching an interim arrangement as the war enters its fourth month. The latest fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began in early March, shortly after US and Israeli strikes against Iran. Hezbollah has said its actions are in support of Tehran.
The reports also note that Iran’s position follows setbacks to ceasefire efforts. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejects a US-brokered pact between Israel and the Lebanese government to halt the fighting. Iran’s foreign minister reiterates that the war cannot be considered resolved unless Lebanon is included, while his comments are tied to Israeli troop withdrawal from occupied areas. The negotiations occur alongside regional concerns, including calls to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
