The US-Iran peace deal already appears to be under strain after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged strikes in southern Lebanon, despite Tehran's insistence that Lebanon is part of a broader framework to end regional hostilities.
Hezbollah Attacks and Israeli Response
The Israeli military reported that Hezbollah launched multiple rocket attacks, along with anti-tank missiles and mortar rounds, targeting Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon. No injuries were reported. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a series of precision airstrikes against Hezbollah operatives and militants deemed an immediate threat to its forces.
In a statement on X, the IDF said: "Shortly ago, the Air Force intercepted several rockets launched by the terrorist organization Hezbollah toward the area where IDF forces operate in southern Lebanon. In accordance with policy, no alerts were activated. Additionally, in four separate incidents throughout the day, IDF forces identified several terrorists moving in vehicles and approaching IDF forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat to them. Immediately after identification, the Air Force, guided by the forces, struck all the threats in a targeted manner. The IDF will continue to operate to remove immediate threats."
Disagreements Between US and Israeli Leaders
The clashes come amid conflicting interpretations of the US-Iran agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged differences with US President Donald Trump over the issue, as Monday's deal came under threat after Israel attacked Lebanon. Netanyahu stated: "Many times we see eye to eye, and there are also cases in which we see less eye to eye. I am responsible for Israel's security interests. I stand up for them."
Iran's Position on Lebanon
Iran has maintained that Lebanon remains an integral part of the understanding aimed at ending the wider regional conflict. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran would closely monitor developments and use all available means to ensure that other parties uphold their commitments. His remarks contrast with Israel's position that Lebanon is not covered by the recently announced US-Iran peace deal, highlighting a key point of contention that could test the agreement's durability even before it takes full effect.
The situation underscores the fragile nature of the deal and the deep-rooted tensions that persist in the region.
