Israel and Hezbollah reached an agreement on a cease-fire in Lebanon on Friday, a US official said, after an escalation in the conflict cast doubt on whether a temporary deal to end the war with Iran could turn into a permanent peace deal in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, were canceled after fresh clashes erupted in Lebanon, adding further uncertainty to the resumption of talks key to reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international maritime traffic.
A senior US official said shortly before 4pm local time in Lebanon that the ceasefire would take effect at that time.
– According to our knowledge, after the exchange of fire earlier today, Israel and Hezbollah have now reached a ceasefire, said the official on condition of anonymity. He added that American and Qatari negotiators, with the help of Iran, managed to reach an agreement, reports Reuters.
In the latest escalation in Lebanon, 18 people were killed in airstrikes, while four Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack by Hezbollah fighters.
The new clashes could have a significant impact on the negotiations as an end to the fighting in Lebanon is one of the conditions for a broader agreement between the US and Iran.
A senior Hezbollah official said Iran had informed the movement that talks with the United States could not resume without a comprehensive ceasefire.
A spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry did not directly comment on the negotiations, but said that the United States bears direct responsibility for Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and that Tehran will take all necessary measures to protect its interests.
