By Daily Review Online
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a renewed ceasefire following a fresh outbreak of violence that threatened to derail ongoing U.S.-Iran efforts to secure a permanent end to the regional conflict.
According to a U.S. official, the ceasefire took effect at 4 p.m. local time on Friday. However, neither Israel nor Hezbollah had officially confirmed the agreement at the time of reporting.
The renewed hostilities had disrupted planned peace talks between the United States and Iran, which were scheduled to resume in Switzerland after both countries signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this week.
The White House announced on Thursday that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance would no longer travel to Europe to lead the American delegation because arrangements for the technical negotiations had not been finalised.
A White House spokesperson said the negotiations remained complex and unpredictable but expressed optimism that discussions would resume soon.
Iran’s delegation also postponed its trip to Switzerland due to the escalation in Lebanon, according to Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen.
The latest exchange of strikes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group killed at least 18 people in Lebanon, the country’s Health Ministry said. Four Israeli soldiers were also killed.
Joseph Aoun condemned the violence, describing it as a “dangerous escalation.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response, saying Israel would not tolerate attacks on its soldiers or territory and that Hezbollah would pay a heavy price for its actions.
The Israel Defense Forces said it struck 80 targets across southern Lebanon, including command centres, launch sites and other militant infrastructure. The military accused Hezbollah of repeatedly violating an earlier ceasefire agreement reached in April.
The renewed violence has raised concerns over the viability of the U.S.-Iran memorandum, which called for an immediate and permanent end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon.
However, Israel was not a party to those negotiations, and Netanyahu has ruled out an immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Vance have publicly expressed frustration with Israel as Washington and Tehran continue efforts to negotiate a lasting truce during an existing 60-day ceasefire period.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, blamed the United States for the Israeli strikes in Lebanon, arguing that Washington bears responsibility under the terms of the memorandum.
He said Iran would take all necessary measures to protect its security, interests and those of its allies.