In a major diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump initially agreed to include Lebanon in a broader Middle East ceasefire plan but later reversed his position following a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a media report.
Trump had earlier been briefed that the ceasefire, announced midweek, would apply across the region, including Lebanon, and he had accepted those terms. Mediators, including Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, had also indicated that Lebanon was part of the understanding.
However, the US stance shifted after Trump’s conversation with Netanyahu. Sources familiar with the matter said the change, along with internal complexities within Iran’s leadership, has made diplomatic efforts more difficult.
Meanwhile, the United States is set to host fresh talks in Washington, DC next week to push forward ceasefire negotiations related to Lebanon. The discussions are being coordinated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s office.
Officials expected to take part in the talks include the US Ambassador to Lebanon, the Lebanese Ambassador, and the Israeli Ambassador. A State Department official confirmed that representatives from all sides will meet to begin dialogue, even as tensions on the ground remain high.