Iran ties US ceasefire deal to Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
Iran has stated that its ceasefire agreement with the US requires Israel to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon. Tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians are returning to devastated homes in the south following the deal. Israel's ambassador to the US has firmly rejected any withdrawal, escalating tensions further. The dispute also highlights a broader shift away from US-led alliances in the region.
President Trump says he will push for peace in Ukraine after meeting President Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit. European leaders are urging Trump to host direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin. Zelenskyy thanked G7 leaders for offering 'strong ideas' to pressure Russia into peace negotiations. The summit marked a concerted effort to refocus the Trump administration on ending the war.
Trump's recent insults towards fellow G7 leaders underscored deep fractures within the alliance ahead of the summit. He signaled a swift return of sanctions on Russian oil as G7 discussions refocused on Ukraine. Allies scrambled to keep Ukraine atop Trump's agenda as the war enters a protracted phase. The G7 dynamics reflect a growing divide between the US and its traditional partners.
Iran's hardliners and moderates are reacting cautiously to the landmark deal with the US, with deep internal divisions emerging. The agreement presents a major political challenge for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has long opposed engagement with Tehran. The White House acknowledged that key details of the accord remain unresolved, amid skepticism from Republican lawmakers. Iran enters the coming nuclear talks emboldened by the ceasefire framework.
Iran's national football coach complained that the team was 'oppressed' by severe travel disruptions following their World Cup draw with New Zealand. Meanwhile, Iranian-American protesters demonstrated against the Iranian team at the World Cup venue. Analysts say the Iranian team is in a politically and logistically difficult position at the tournament. The controversies have cast a shadow over the team's participation.