United States, Iran and Lebanon Struggle to Activate De‑Confliction Mechanism

The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding that calls for an immediate, permanent halt to fighting on all fronts. Israel was not a signatory and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, backed by Defense Minister Israel Katz, has refused to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is fully disarmed, creating a structural flaw in the agreement.

A trilateral de‑confliction cell involving the United States, Iran and Lebanon – mediated by Qatar and Pakistan – was proposed to monitor cease‑fire violations and provide a communication channel between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese officials say they are ready to join, but details such as the level of Lebanese participation remain undecided, and Hezbollah officials view the mechanism with suspicion. The cell has not yet been activated, and its future depends on whether Israel will engage in the process.

U.S. officials stress the importance of honoring the commitments made in the MoU, while diplomatic sources note that the lack of Israeli participation threatens to unravel the cease‑fire framework before the 60‑day window expires.