US and Iran Reach Ceasefire Agreement Excluding Lebanon Amid Israeli Assault

US President Donald Trump has stated that the conflict in Lebanon is a “separate skirmish” following a recent Israeli assault on the country. The attack, which began on Wednesday, resulted in significant loss of life and injury to hundreds of people.

According to Trump, Lebanon was not included in the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which was mediated by Pakistan. However, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously stated that the two-week truce covers the entire region, specifically mentioning Lebanon.

Iran has reportedly taken steps in response to the Israeli attacks, including suspending oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have warned that Tehran will take “serious steps” if Israel continues to violate the ceasefire.

The Fars News Agency reported that an informed source stated Iran would withdraw from the agreement if Israel continues to break the ceasefire. A senior Iranian official also warned that fighting would resume if Israel does not observe the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine confirmed that at least 89 people were killed and over 700 injured in the Israeli attacks, with the death toll expected to rise. The attacks have compounded the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, where more than 1.2 million people have been displaced.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously stated that attacks against Lebanon would continue. The international community has called for an end to the aggressions, with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urging the world to intervene.

Source: Al Jazeera