At least 22 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, raising tensions and jeopardizing planned talks between the United States and Iran aimed at solidifying a fragile peace deal.
The strikes, which hit the Nabatieh district and other areas, including the Bekaa Valley, came shortly after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced. The violence has cast doubt on whether Iranian officials will attend negotiations with US envoys in Switzerland.
US envoy Steve Witkoff was en route to Switzerland on Friday, while Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, was already there, according to US media. However, the talks, initially scheduled for earlier in the week, were postponed, and it remains unclear when Iran will participate.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was expected to travel to Switzerland on Saturday, but sources indicated his trip may be delayed. Iran views a ceasefire in Lebanon as essential, with one mediating source saying it could "make or break" the US-Iran talks.
The US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) explicitly states that ending the war in Lebanon is integral to the broader ceasefire arrangement. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continued its bombardment, with the Lebanese army accusing Israel of obstructing stability efforts.
Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli troops advancing near Nabatieh overnight, while the Israeli military claimed Hezbollah violated the ceasefire by launching over 50 projectiles.
The US State Department announced new talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington on June 23 and 25, aiming for lasting peace. However, Hezbollah remains excluded, and a representative of the group ruled out a ceasefire while Israeli forces remain on Lebanese soil, warning of retaliation.
Al Jazeera's diplomatic editor noted that the ceasefire in Lebanon is key to bringing the parties together, but Iran seems unlikely to attend while the bombardment continues.