By Elsie Kamsiyochi
A fragile peace agreement aimed at ending months of conflict between the United States and Iran is facing its first major test after fresh Israeli airstrikes struck southern Lebanon, raising concerns that the region could once again slide toward a broader war.
Speaking during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, U.S. President Donald Trump made it clear that the recently negotiated ceasefire with Iran is not guaranteed to last. Trump described the accord as a preliminary understanding rather than a permanent settlement and warned that military action could resume if Tehran fails to meet U.S. expectations.
The agreement, reached only days ago, is intended to extend an earlier ceasefire announced in April and create a 60-day window for negotiations toward a permanent peace deal. However, Trump emphasized that Washington retains the option of returning to military operations should Iran violate the terms or fail to cooperate during the talks.
His comments came as Israeli forces carried out new airstrikes and artillery attacks across southern Lebanon, highlighting the challenges facing efforts to stabilize the region. Although the U.S.-Iran understanding was welcomed by world leaders, violence along the Israel-Lebanon border remains a major obstacle to securing a lasting peace.
Leaders of the Group of Seven nations praised the breakthrough between Washington and Tehran during the summit, viewing it as a potential step toward reducing tensions in one of the world’s most volatile regions. The leaders also called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, where clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement have devastated communities and displaced more than one million people.
The agreement is expected to be formally signed during a ceremony in Switzerland later this week. One of its key provisions includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route that has faced disruption during the conflict. The deal would also bring an end to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, measures that have significantly affected global trade and energy markets.
Despite the diplomatic progress, fighting on the ground has not completely stopped. Israeli officials have maintained that their military reserves the right to conduct operations against perceived threats, even while broader ceasefire negotiations continue. Lebanese state media reported multiple Israeli strikes targeting towns in the south, while security sources said Hezbollah fighters launched drone attacks against Israeli positions. The militant group has not publicly confirmed responsibility for the reported attacks.
The continued violence has deepened the suffering of civilians in southern Lebanon. In the city of Nabatieh, extensive destruction has left entire neighborhoods in ruins. Residents who had begun cautiously returning to inspect damaged homes after the ceasefire announcement were forced to flee once again as fresh attacks resumed.
Local officials described a worsening humanitarian situation, with many basic services still unavailable. Damaged infrastructure, destroyed homes, and lingering security fears have made it difficult for displaced families to return permanently.
The ceasefire memorandum itself has not yet been released publicly, leaving many questions unanswered. While U.S. and Iranian negotiators have described it as a framework for future discussions, uncertainty remains over several key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, regional security arrangements, and the future of armed groups supported by Tehran across the Middle East.
G7 leaders reiterated their demand that Iran never obtain a nuclear weapon and stressed the importance of continuing negotiations to address broader security concerns. Britain and France are expected to play a leading role in an international effort to help secure commercial shipping routes once the Strait of Hormuz reopens.
Critics note that many of the objectives originally outlined by Washington at the start of the conflict remain unresolved. Iran’s government remains firmly in power, its missile capabilities have not been dismantled, and questions persist regarding its stockpile of enriched uranium. U.S. officials insist that future negotiations will address those issues, but details have yet to emerge.
Another major challenge involves Lebanon itself. Iran has argued that any permanent settlement must include an end to hostilities there and eventually lead to an Israeli withdrawal. Israel has rejected calls for withdrawal, insisting that military pressure remains necessary to counter Hezbollah.
The disagreement has exposed growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem. Trump has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister in recent days, signaling a rare public dispute between the two longtime allies over the future direction of regional policy.
Financial markets reacted positively to the prospect of reduced tensions. Oil prices continued to decline on Wednesday as traders anticipated the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of energy flows. Brent crude fell below $80 per barrel, reaching its lowest level since the early stages of the U.S.-Iran conflict.
While diplomatic momentum has created hope for a broader peace settlement, the renewed violence in Lebanon serves as a reminder that the path toward stability remains uncertain.
The coming weeks of negotiations will likely determine whether the ceasefire evolves into a lasting agreement or becomes merely a temporary pause in a conflict that has reshaped the Middle East.
Source Reuters
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