Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament, informed the Trump administration on Sunday that Hezbollah is prepared for a full and immediate ceasefire with Israel, as reported by his adviser Ali Hamdan. The escalating conflict in Lebanon poses risks to ongoing negotiations regarding a potential deal to end the war in Iran, particularly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatening military action against Beirut.
Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that Iran's negotiating team has suspended communications with the U.S. in response to Israel's actions in Lebanon. Berri, a key Shia political figure with close ties to Hezbollah, is viewed with skepticism by U.S. and Israeli officials regarding his ability to ensure Hezbollah's compliance.
If Hezbollah is indeed ready for a ceasefire, it may maintain the current Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon while potentially separating Lebanon from the broader conflict involving Iran. U.S. officials conveyed to Berri their doubts about Netanyahu's willingness to agree to such terms. An Israeli official confirmed Hezbollah's readiness for a ceasefire without demanding an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Hamdan stated that Berri communicated with U.S. Ambassador to Beirut, Michel Issa, expressing Hezbollah's commitment to a comprehensive ceasefire. The Trump administration had proposed a partial ceasefire requiring Hezbollah to cease attacks on northern Israel in exchange for Israel refraining from strikes on Beirut. Hamdan contested a U.S. official's description of Berri's response as evasive.
Berri suggested a full ceasefire encompassing ground, air, and sea operations, along with a commitment from Israel to halt demolitions in southern Lebanon. Hamdan asserted that Berri has a communication channel with Hezbollah's leader, Naeem Qassem.
The U.S. has been urging Israel to avoid strikes on Beirut as part of a de-escalation strategy, although a U.S. official indicated that this stance might change. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning about targeting Hezbollah in Beirut, citing violations of the ceasefire. The Israel Defense Forces urged residents of the Dahieh District to evacuate for their safety, stating that continued attacks from Hezbollah would prompt military responses.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Israel's actions in Lebanon violate the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, stating that both the U.S. and Israel would face consequences for any violations. Following this, Iranian officials emphasized that no negotiations with the U.S. would occur until Israel ceases its attacks in Lebanon, and they indicated readiness to retaliate in various strategic locations.
