Iran-US memorandum stalls; Hezbollah demands Lebanon be included as Israeli strikes hit Beirut

Israel’s army carried out targeted strikes on the Dahieh suburb of Beirut, killing at least two people and wounding four, in response to fire from Hezbollah militants. The attacks intensified the conflict that Lebanese health officials say has already caused more than 3,700 deaths.

Iran has not yet taken a final decision on a proposed memorandum of understanding with the United States that would open the Strait of Hormuz, lift sanctions and end U.S. naval blockades in exchange for Iranian concessions on its nuclear programme. Iranian officials have stressed that any agreement must also secure an end to fighting in Lebanon.

Hezbollah parliamentarian Hasan Fadlallah told the group’s Al‑Manar TV that “if an agreement is reached, we have full confidence in the Islamic Republic… we believe it will insist that any deal also addresses Lebanon.” The militia reiterated that Lebanon must be part of any U.S.–Iran settlement, echoing Tehran’s position that the cease‑fire in Lebanon be included in the final text.

Negotiations continue, with some reports suggesting a signing could occur soon, but the lack of a definitive Iranian decision and ongoing Israeli attacks keep the situation volatile.