Rabat – A new agreement between the US and Iran has raised hopes of reducing tensions in the Middle East, but violence continues in Lebanon, where Israel has carried out new military strikes, and Iran has warned that further attacks could threaten the fragile diplomatic progress.
The US and Iran have reached a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending months of war and opening the door to negotiations on a permanent agreement. The deal is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland later this week and would extend a ceasefire for 60 days while both sides negotiate issues such as Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.
The agreement also includes plans to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.
However, the situation is still tense. Iran has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire in Lebanon dozens of times and warned that it would deliver a “harsh response” if Israeli attacks continue. Iranian officials have insisted that ending Israeli aggression and securing a full withdrawal from southern Lebanon are essential parts of any lasting agreement.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon. According to reports, drone strikes and artillery shelling targeted several areas, including Tyre and Nabatieh, causing casualties and adding to concerns that the fighting could escalate again.
Thousands of Lebanese civilians have started returning to their homes following the announcement of the ceasefire, but many villages remain heavily damaged, and residents fear the violence could resume.
Tensions between Israel and US
The diplomatic breakthrough has also exposed growing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv. US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over military attacks in Lebanon, calling for greater restraint.
Israeli officials have expressed frustration after not being fully briefed on the details of the US-Iran agreement, with some describing the situation as a “crisis of trust” between the two allies.
The international community has largely welcomed the agreement. Leaders of the G7 nations described it as an important opportunity to reduce regional tensions and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while calling for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.
China also announced new humanitarian aid for both Iran and Lebanon to support reconstruction and economic recovery after months of conflict.
Despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, analysts warn that the coming weeks will be critical. Continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon, disagreements over Israel’s military presence, and difficult negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program could still derail efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the region.
