Persistent fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is threatening a tentative deal reached between the United States and Iran to end their war. The deal includes a ceasefire in Lebanon that would protect Iran’s long-time ally Hezbollah from Israeli strikes, so long as it doesn’t fire at Israel.

Background of the Conflict

Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shiite Islamist movement, has engaged in conflict with Israel for decades. It has long been committed to Israel’s destruction and has built up a powerful arsenal of rockets, missiles, and drones with Iranian help.

Israel has launched frequent campaigns against Hezbollah, most notably in 2006. The conflict has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the destruction of many homes in southern Lebanese villages.

US-Iran Agreement

The US-Iran agreement aims to end the war between the two countries and includes a ceasefire in Lebanon. However, the fighting in Lebanon has led to the postponement of US-Iran talks, which would begin the difficult process of resolving long-term issues like Tehran’s nuclear program and sanctions.

The agreement stipulates that the US, Iran, and their allies “declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon.”

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.