Beirut, Lebanon. Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday, a U.S. official said, after an escalation in fighting threatened efforts tied to broader U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Ceasefire announced after fighting escalation
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would take effect at that time.
The official said that, following an exchange of fire earlier on Friday, Israel and Hezbollah were in a ceasefire. Speaking on background, the official said negotiators from the United States and Qatar worked out the agreement with help from Iran.
Switzerland talks cancelled
Planned U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland on Friday were cancelled as fighting intensified in Lebanon, creating uncertainty over the timing of negotiations linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
Impact on broader negotiations
The fighting in Lebanon, in which 18 people were killed in airstrikes and four Israeli soldiers were killed by Hezbollah militants, could affect negotiations because ending hostilities there is a condition for a broader U.S.-Iran accord.
A senior Hezbollah lawmaker said Iran had told the group that talks with the United States could not continue without a comprehensive ceasefire.
Iran response
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson did not mention the talks but said the United States bore direct responsibility for Israeli attacks on Lebanon and that Tehran would take all necessary measures to protect its interests.
