Lebanese leaders protest US-Iran deal amid direct Israel-Lebanon talks

A senior Lebanese political figure warned that the parallel U.S.-Iran agreement is a blow to Lebanon, claiming it bolsters Hezbollah and leaves anti‑Hezbollah forces abandoned. The official outlined three core demands for the direct Israel‑Lebanon negotiations taking place in Washington: a partial Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, a permanent cease‑fire that preserves Israel’s defensive freedom, and a formally recognized international border between the two states.

He criticized the perceived alignment between Washington and Tehran, saying the deal grants Hezbollah a political boost while the United States appears to favor Iranian interests. The Lebanese side argues that any Israeli concessions and a fixed border would demonstrate the legitimacy of the Lebanese government over Iranian‑backed influences. The talks occur against the backdrop of intense U.S. diplomatic activity with Iran, heightening public anger in Beirut.

The Lebanese official stressed that failure by the Lebanese army to act in the designated zone would trigger mass protests, urging the public to confront the army if it “fails to act.”