Bangkok: Israel and Hezbollah have reached a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon following an escalation in fighting that had threatened the progress of transitioning a temporary agreement to end the war with Iran into a lasting peace deal in the Middle East. The agreement, which went into effect at approximately 4:00 PM local time in Lebanon, was confirmed by senior Israeli officials and Hezbollah sources linked to Iran.
According to Thai News Agency, the ceasefire comes amidst renewed uncertainty surrounding negotiations with Iran, which are crucial for reopening the Strait of Hormuz for global freight transport. International media, citing U.S. officials, reported that Steve Whitkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy, is traveling to Switzerland for the first round of negotiations with Iran regarding the nuclear agreement. This development follows Vice President J.D. Vance's cancellation of his planned trip to Switzerland for the talks.
President Trump, in an NBC news analysis, revealed that he had discussed the ceasefire with Israel and requested their acceptance of the agreement. An NBC reporter, broadcasting the US leader's remarks via X, highlighted the importance of remaining calm and thoughtful in such situations. The U.S. president, however, declined to specify whether he had communicated directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Senior U.S. officials noted that the ceasefire was facilitated by negotiations involving U.S. and Qatari diplomats with assistance from Iran. The truce, however, does not signify a withdrawal of Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, as Israel intends to maintain its hold on areas occupied along the northern border. Israeli officials emphasized that they would not initiate conflict unless provoked by Hezbollah.