Iran Backs Lebanon's Negotiations With Israel For Ceasefire Agreement

Israel launched airstrikes for the fourth consecutive day, in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, flattening buildings. Israel has stepped up its bombardment of the region this week.

Iran backs any decision taken by Lebanon in its negotiations with Israel to secure a ceasefire deal, a senior Iranian official said on Friday, indicating Tehran’s interest in ending a conflict that has significantly impacted its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah.

According to Reuters, Israel launched airstrikes for the fourth consecutive day, in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, flattening buildings. Israel has stepped up its bombardment of the region this week.

Meanwhile, as a top adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei visited Lebanon for talks, Lebanese officials said an American proposal for a ceasefire deal had been passed on to Hezbollah, aiming to end 13 months of exchanges of fire between Israel and the group. According to the Associated Press (AP), Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, ignited the war in Gaza, and exchanges between the two sides have continued ever since.

Israel had significantly intensified its bombardment of Lebanon, since the end of September, in an attempt to cripple Hezbollah and halt its attacks on Israel. As per the Lebanon Health Ministry, Israeli fire claimed over 3,400 lives 80 per cent of the casualties were taken in the past month. 

As per the AP report, US Ambassador Lisa Johnson has given a draft of the ceasefire proposal to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who has been leading the talks representing Hezbollah. The Lebanese official did not give details other than to say Israel was insisting that some guarantees be included. The US Embassy refused to either confirm or deny the reports.

Khamenei’s adviser, Ali Larijani, said the Lebanese government wants the war to end and the resolution to be implemented “in all its details,” AP reported, citing a statement on the talks issued by his office.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the Israeli military said its fighter jets attacked munitions warehouses, a headquarters and other Hezbollah infrastructure. It issued a warning on social media identifying buildings ahead of the strikes.

A senior diplomat told Reuters, that more time was needed to get a ceasefire done but was hopeful it could be achieved. The outgoing US administration appears keen to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, even as efforts to end Israel's related war in the Gaza Strip appear totally adrift.