Published: 12:17 AM, 17 June 2026
Final US deal must include Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon: Iran
STRAIT OF HORMUZ: The ongoing United States-Israeli war on Iran has thrust the Strait of Hormuz into the centre of a multidimensional geopolitical crisis. A satellite view of the Strait. -Agency
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that any agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, a condition that Israel has already rejected, casting uncertainty over the prospects of a lasting settlement.
Speaking on Tuesday, Araghchi argued that the war could not be considered fully over while Israeli troops remained in territories occupied during the conflict.
"Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end," he said.
The proposed agreement, brokered primarily by Pakistan, has not been publicly released, and differing interpretations by officials from various sides have highlighted unresolved issues. Although Israel is not a direct party to the US-Iran negotiations, it has been deeply involved in the wider conflict after joining US strikes against Iran in late February and continuing military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
Pakistan, which has played a key mediating role, previously indicated that the agreement would bring an end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. However, Araghchi's insistence on an Israeli withdrawal introduces a new point of contention.
A US official familiar with the negotiations has said the agreement does not require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated on Monday that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon "as long as necessary."
The disagreement highlights the fragile nature of the proposed settlement ahead of a planned signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday.
According to US and Pakistani officials, the framework agreement would involve the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of blockades affecting Iranian ports. It would also initiate a 60-day negotiation process focused on Iran's nuclear programme and the possible easing of sanctions.
The deal reportedly includes provisions for the release of frozen Iranian assets and the establishment of a potential $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, contingent on Tehran meeting agreed conditions. However, US President Donald Trump later said Washington would not directly invest funds in Iran.
Regional officials familiar with the negotiations told media outlets that Iran had pushed in the final stages to include Lebanon in the agreement. They said Tehran seeks the withdrawal of Israeli forces from nearly all occupied Lebanese territory, except for a limited number of border positions.
The officials also noted that the release of frozen Iranian funds would depend on Iran's implementation of the agreement. Gulf Arab countries are also expected to provide substantial financial support to Iran's economy under the broader framework.
Another unresolved issue concerns Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The agreement reportedly envisages discussions on reducing or removing the stockpile, although Iranian hardliners remain opposed to relinquishing it.
Questions also remain over how compliance with any future nuclear arrangements would be verified and how highly enriched uranium stored at damaged nuclear facilities would be handled.
The proposed deal comes as leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations gather in France, where the Middle East conflict and its economic repercussions are expected to feature prominently in discussions.
European leaders have welcomed the diplomatic progress while stressing the need for rapid implementation of any agreement to restore stability and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.
Trump acknowledged ongoing concerns about Israel's military operations in Lebanon, saying prolonged fighting could undermine broader diplomatic efforts.
"It just goes on forever," he said. "And when that happens, it throws a negative light on the big deal. And that's the deal with Iran."
>>Agency
