Iran says Israel must pull troops out of Lebanon under deal with U.S.

Article excerpt

Iran's foreign minister declared that any U.S.-brokered deal must include a complete Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon, signaling Tehran's hardline stance as negotiations proceed. The condition reflects Iran's broader regional interests, particularly its alliance with Hezbollah, which has faced intense Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The demand complicates already fragile ceasefire talks involving multiple parties with conflicting objectives. Israel has maintained a military presence in southern Lebanon for decades, citing security concerns, while the U.S. has been attempting to broker a settlement that could de-escalate tensions across the Middle East.