Lebanon conflict threatens US‑Iran nuclear deal

Israeli air strikes and Hezbollah attacks have continued in southern Lebanon despite a US‑brokered cease‑fire, with reported casualties ranging from at least 35 to over 100 dead. Both sides accuse each other of violating the truce, and Israel says its operations are defensive while Hezbollah cites Israeli incursions as justification for its fire.

The fighting undermines the 14‑point memorandum between Washington and Tehran that requires a halt to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. Iran responded by again closing the Strait of Hormuz, claiming Israel’s actions and a perceived US breach of the agreement, while the US Central Command maintains that commercial shipping through the strait has continued.

Negotiations to salvage the broader US‑Iran nuclear framework are set to resume in Switzerland, with US Vice‑President JD Vance and Iranian officials – including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi – attending. Private US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will also be present. The ongoing Lebanese front is described as the most vulnerable point that could cause the entire deal to collapse, affecting regional security and global oil markets.