WEB DESK: Israel and Lebanon have agreed to take steps toward enforcing a ceasefire, according to a statement released by the U.S. administration on Wednesday. The development has raised expectations that wider negotiations involving Iran could also advance.
Under the agreement, both countries will meet again during the week of June 22 for political and security discussions aimed at reaching a broader settlement. The ceasefire depends on Hezbollah fully ending military operations and withdrawing its fighters from the South Litani area.
The U.S. State Department said Washington had helped facilitate the deal, which includes plans to establish pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces would have sole authority, excluding all non-state armed groups. Israel and Lebanon also committed to direct talks designed to build trust and address unresolved issues.
Although a ceasefire had been announced previously, clashes continued after Israel launched operations in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, which had carried out cross-border attacks in support of Iran.
Meanwhile, tensions across the Gulf region remain high. Kuwait reported damage to airport facilities and diplomatic sites following drone and missile strikes, leaving one person dead and more than 60 injured.
Authorities temporarily suspended flights before resuming operations after implementing additional safety measures.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied responsibility for targeting Kuwait’s airport, claiming the destruction resulted from failed U.S. interceptor missiles. U.S. officials rejected that explanation and maintained that Iranian drones intentionally targeted the airport.
Iranian media also reported attacks on U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and other regional targets. However, U.S. Central Command stated that its bases were not hit and that Iranian missiles failed to reach their intended objectives. CENTCOM added that it had carried out defensive operations against missile launch sites, mine-laying vessels, and military positions near the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict has repeatedly threatened stability in the Gulf since U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began in late February. Although a ceasefire was reached in early April, periodic confrontations have continued, complicating efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments.
Recent diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran have suggested possible progress toward an initial framework that could reduce hostilities and restore navigation through the strait. However, major disagreements remain unresolved.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said discussions with the United States were still ongoing but had yet to produce significant breakthroughs. Tehran continues to seek sanctions relief, access to oil revenues, reduced restrictions on exports, and guarantees regarding its regional influence.
U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasized preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes. Trump stated that negotiations were continuing and hinted that meaningful progress could emerge as soon as the weekend.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, violence persists. Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least six people and targeted areas near Beirut. Israel also claimed to have intercepted an aircraft launched by Hezbollah.
Araqchi warned that Iran would respond firmly if Israel expanded attacks into Beirut. Trump, meanwhile, acknowledged tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the conflict, saying he urged Israel to halt military actions in Lebanon. Netanyahu later described their differences as tactical while stressing that both leaders remained aligned on key concerns regarding Iran.
The broader conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, while disrupting global energy markets and international shipping routes.
