Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire aimed at ending months of hostilities, in a development that could pave the way for a broader agreement between the United States and Iran to de-escalate tensions across the region.
The announcement was made by the U.S. administration following negotiations in Washington. According to a joint statement issued by the U.S. State Department, the ceasefire is contingent on a complete halt to attacks by the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and the withdrawal of all its operatives from the South Litani Sector in southern Lebanon.
The breakthrough comes after an earlier ceasefire agreement failed to hold, with fighting continuing despite commitments made by both sides. Israel launched military operations in Lebanon in March, targeting Hezbollah after the group carried out cross-border attacks in support of Iran.
The latest diplomatic progress emerged amid growing regional instability. Earlier, Iran launched strikes against Kuwait, damaging facilities at Kuwait International Airport and injuring dozens of people. The attacks coincided with U.S. military operations near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
Kuwaiti authorities reported that airport operations were temporarily suspended after missile and drone attacks caused damage to infrastructure and diplomatic facilities. Commercial flights later resumed after additional safety measures were implemented.
While Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied targeting Kuwait’s airport and blamed the destruction on failed U.S. interceptor missiles, American military officials rejected the claim, insisting the airport had been deliberately targeted.
The renewed tensions have placed additional strain on an already fragile ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran. Oil prices climbed nearly two per cent following the latest developments, reflecting concerns over continued disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
Despite the setbacks, diplomatic efforts remain ongoing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said discussions with the United States had not been abandoned, although significant differences remain unresolved. Tehran continues to seek sanctions relief, access to frozen oil revenues and guarantees related to maritime access and trade.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that progress in negotiations could be achieved within days. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump suggested developments could emerge as soon as the weekend, although he declined to provide further details.
The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, while also disrupting international trade and energy markets. Although the ceasefire agreement offers a potential path towards stability, observers caution that lasting peace will depend on all parties adhering to their commitments in the coming weeks.
Adding to the diplomatic pressure, Trump recently revealed that he had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt military operations in Lebanon, underscoring Washington’s desire to prevent the conflict from expanding further across the Middle East.
