A ceasefire brokered by the U.S. between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, planned to take effect on Friday, had a contentious start with both sides alleging violations. While the ceasefire was scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM local time, a Hezbollah spokesperson claimed that even an hour after the start time, Israel continued its attacks in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video posted on social media platform X after the scheduled start time, announced that the Israel Defense Forces had attacked over 150 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and neutralized dozens of militants. Netanyahu did not specify when the attacks occurred.
A Hezbollah spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the group would abide by the ceasefire as long as Israel did, but reserved the right to "respond" to any violation. The spokesperson stated they had not yet seen the ceasefire take effect.
U.S.-Iran talks postponed
The ceasefire agreement came after U.S.-Iran talks planned for this weekend in Switzerland were abruptly postponed. The White House did not publicly state the reason for the delay.
A White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "As the Vice President noted in the press conference, plans for upcoming technical talks are not yet finalized, and the U.S. delegation is prepared to depart at the earliest opportunity." The spokesperson added, "However, the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. At this time, the Vice President will not depart tonight. We will inform you when there is a concrete update."
Trump criticizes Netanyahu
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed growing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu over the Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. Speaking to reporters at the G7 summit in France, Trump said, "Bibi needs to be more responsible regarding Lebanon."
Trump stated, "Too many people are being killed, and you don't have to knock down an apartment building every time you're looking for someone, because there are a lot of people in those buildings, and they're not all Hezbollah, I can tell you that." He continued, "I'm not saying they shouldn't protect themselves," adding, "You don't have to knock down buildings in Beirut when two drones fall harmlessly in the desert. They could behave better and frankly do a better job."
Scope of the agreement
U.S. officials described the memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday as a 60-day framework for negotiations toward a final agreement largely focused on Iran's nuclear program.
Officials said any withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran would be contingent on a final agreement, not the initial deal. The agreement also declared "the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon."
U.S. officials stated that the memorandum also includes future talks on Iran's nuclear program, covering urgent oil sanction waivers for Iran, an end to Iran's threats toward the Strait of Hormuz, a process for lifting the U.S. blockade, and the fate of enriched uranium stockpiles.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei, in a statement on Friday, denied claims that Iran had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei said, "In accordance with the End of War Memorandum of Understanding dated 18 June 1405, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have taken the necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and maritime traffic on this route continues."
