After US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in Lebanon, the US State Department made the agreement between Israel and Lebanon public. The six agreed points include that the Lebanese government, with international help, prevent Hezbollah from carrying out attacks against Israeli targets from Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel refrains from “offensive military operations” against Lebanese targets.
However, Israel reserves the right to take all necessary measures in self-defense against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks at any time. This will not be affected by the cessation of hostilities, the text says.
The agreement emphasizes that the Lebanese security forces alone are responsible for the sovereignty and defense of Lebanon. No other country or group can claim to be the guarantor of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Further, according to the agreement, Israel and Lebanon ask the United States to facilitate further direct negotiations between the two countries with the aim of resolving all outstanding issues, including the determination of the international land border. The goal is to conclude a comprehensive and lasting security and peace agreement between the two countries.
Almost a week before the ceasefire between the United States and Iran expires, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on the leadership in Tehran to agree to an agreement. While Iran’s military has been hit hard after recent fighting, U.S. forces could resume attacks immediately if an agreement is not reached, he said. “We call on the new government: make a wise decision.”
The US Navy will maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as long as necessary, Hegseth announced. In the first 72 hours of the blockage, according to the responsible regional command Centcom, 14 ships turned back on the instructions of the US armed forces. The blockade is intended to ensure that no ships enter or leave Iranian ports.
If there is no agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, the US military will attack the country’s infrastructure and energy supplies, Hegseth threatened. “The War Department will ensure that Iran never has nuclear weapons.”
