US-Iran deal: Tehran says Israel withdrawal from Lebanon key

Article excerpt

Iran's foreign minister declared that Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon is essential to any U.S., Iran deal aimed at ending the conflict, warning that continued Israeli military presence would breach the agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu countered that Israel will maintain its position for as long as necessary to secure its border. The competing demands highlight a central tension in negotiations: Tehran sees the Lebanon withdrawal as a precondition, while Jerusalem views it as contingent on achieving security objectives.