The US and Iran agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” involving Lebanon and facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan to ensure the end of military operations in Lebanon, mediators said after talks in Switzerland concluded.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Aragchi later said the “first real test” will be the effectiveness of that effort.
The Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon, which has continued despite a recent renewal of their ceasefire agreement, is a key obstacle to the US and Iran reaching a final peace deal.
The Israeli campaign in Lebanon has killed more than 4,000 people since March 2, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
The initial US-Iran memorandum of understanding includes a ceasefire in Lebanon that would protect militant group Hezbollah from Israeli strikes, so long as it doesn’t fire at Israel.
For Tehran, an end to Israeli attacks on its most significant ally in the region has always been a central demand in negotiations.
For Israel, not having the freedom of action to further degrade Hezbollah is anathema – and a serious test of its close alliance with the United States.
Both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have shown growing impatience with Israel’s strikes in Lebanon and its hostility to the Iran memorandum.
CNN’s Nadeen Ebrahim and Tim Lister contributed reporting.
