Israel strikes Lebanon despite US-Iran truce, tensions rise

The two-week ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran has brought a reduction in hostilities in the Gulf, with no reports of Iranian strikes on Gulf countries' infrastructure. However, regional peace remains fragile, as Israel has intensified military operations in Lebanon, arguing that this country was not included in the ceasefire agreement. Israeli attacks, which according to West Jerusalem are targeted at Hezbollah, have resulted in at least 182 deaths in Lebanon, affecting areas such as the southern suburbs of Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the eastern Bekaa Valley.

The escalation has triggered strong international backlash, with the UK, France, and several Middle Eastern nations demanding that Lebanon be included in the truce framework. The UK foreign minister has described Israel's bombardment as 'deeply damaging', highlighting concerns over regional stability. Pakistan, which acts as a key intermediary in the peace process, has also backed this demand, adding diplomatic pressure.

Iran has insisted that any sustainable deal must include Lebanon, along with other conditions such as control over the Strait of Hormuz, acceptance of uranium enrichment, and an end to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah. These demands clash with the stance of the US and Israel, which oppose expanding the truce, creating a deadlock in negotiations. The lack of consensus threatens to prolong the conflict and undermine progress made in the bilateral ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump has stated that American forces will remain in the region until Iran fully complies with a 'real agreement', although details of the potential pact remain undefined. Meanwhile, the continuation of Israeli strikes in Lebanon not only increases civilian casualties but also risks the fragile truce, with broader implications for Middle East security and relations within NATO, amid Trump's criticism of allies.