Diplomatic Crisis Over Lebanon’s Exclusion from US-Iran Ceasefire
A fragile US-Iran ceasefire faces collapse as Israel launches deadly airstrikes on Lebanon, killing over 200 people. Lebanese officials reject Iran negotiating on their behalf, demanding direct inclusion in peace talks mediated by Pakistan. France condemns the Israeli attacks as intolerable while urging Iran to cease proxy support. The dispute highlights deep regional divisions, with Israel excluding Lebanon from the truce despite Iranian insistence. International diplomats, including French and Pakistani leaders, urgently coordinate to prevent further escalation and ensure Lebanon’s sovereignty is respected in upcoming negotiations.
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Iran Speaker Ghalibaf Equates Lebanon Ceasefire Importance with Iran's
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized to his Lebanese counterpart, Nabih Berri, that establishing a ceasefire in Lebanon is as critical as securing one for Iran. In a statement shared on Telegram, Ghalibaf highlighted Tehran's ongoing efforts to compel the United States and Israel to agree to a permanent ceasefire across all conflict zones, adhering to recent agreements. This dialogue occurs amidst escalating tensions following the outbreak of direct war between Iran and the US in late February 2026, triggered by the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. Hezbollah's subsequent retaliatory strikes drew Lebanon into the conflict, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and the displacement of 1.2 million people. While Ghalibaf affirmed Iran's solidarity with Lebanon, Berri condemned Israeli actions as criminal and rejected direct communications with Israel. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump announced historic talks between Israeli and Lebanese leaders, though the Lebanese government has not yet confirmed participation. The situation underscores the complex diplomatic landscape as regional actors navigate the broader US-Iran confrontation.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraFrance and Pakistan Condemn Ceasefire Violations in Lebanon
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to address the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon. Both officials expressed deep concern over serious violations of the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the critical need for full implementation and respect for the truce. This diplomatic exchange occurred in the immediate aftermath of Israel's most devastating air strike campaign in the region, which resulted in the deaths of over 200 people in Lebanon on Wednesday. During the call, Minister Barrot congratulated Pakistan for its instrumental role in securing the initial ceasefire agreement and voiced support for Pakistan's continued diplomatic efforts. The joint condemnation highlights international anxiety regarding the escalation of violence and the fragility of the peace process. The statement released by Pakistan's foreign ministry underscores the collaborative approach between European and South Asian nations in seeking stability in the Middle East. The incident marks a significant setback to recent peace initiatives, prompting urgent high-level consultations to prevent further humanitarian crises and regional instability.
Section FeedLebanon's PM Seeks Pakistan's Support to End Attacks Amid Regional Escalation
On April 9, 2026, Pakistan announced that Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam contacted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to request support for an immediate cessation of attacks targeting Lebanon and its citizens. The diplomatic call occurred against a backdrop of escalating hostilities involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, with ongoing U.S.-Israeli tensions. In response, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, highlighting the convening of peace talks between Iran and the United States as a key initiative in this spirit. This exchange underscores the growing international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis in the Middle East, with Pakistan positioning itself as a mediator seeking stability through dialogue.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastLebanon PM Seeks Pakistani Support for Ceasefire Inclusion
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has contacted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to request Pakistan's support in ensuring Lebanon is included in the ceasefire negotiations between Iran and the United States. This diplomatic move follows devastating Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that resulted in over 250 fatalities. During their call, Salam praised Sharif's mediation efforts and emphasized the urgent need to prevent further attacks on Lebanese territory. While Islamabad confirmed it is engaged in sincere efforts for regional peace, a significant dispute remains regarding the scope of the agreement; Israel has explicitly denied including Lebanon in any deal, whereas Iran insists that Lebanon must be an inseparable part of the accord. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics as international actors attempt to broker stability in the region amidst escalating violence.
Section FeedLebanon Rejects Iran Negotiating on Its Behalf Amidst Escalating Israeli Strikes
Following Israel's largest attack on Lebanon, which killed at least 203 people and injured over 1,000, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam firmly rejected any attempt by Iran to negotiate a ceasefire on Lebanon's behalf. Salam asserted that only the Lebanese state has the authority to handle talks with Israel, emphasizing national sovereignty against regional powers. This stance was echoed by Foreign Ministry officials and MP Nadim Gemayel, who warned against Lebanon becoming a bargaining chip in US-Iran diplomatic arrangements. The rejection comes as the Trump administration announced a 45-day ceasefire with Iran that explicitly excluded Lebanon, prompting immediate massive Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions. While France and other international actors condemned the strikes and called for Lebanon's inclusion in any truce, Beirut insists on direct negotiations with civilian participation under international sponsorship.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastFrench Foreign Minister Demands Lebanon Inclusion in Iran-US Ceasefire
On April 9, 2026, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that the ceasefire agreement reached between Iran and the United States must explicitly cover military actions in Lebanon. Speaking on Thursday, Barrot condemned 'massive' Israeli strikes that occurred the previous day. He emphasized that for peace talks, scheduled to begin in Pakistan, Iran must make significant concessions. These include abandoning nuclear weapons programs, ceasing missile and drone threats against regional countries, and halting support for destabilizing groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Additionally, Barrot called for Iran to ensure free traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The comments were made during a meeting of France's defense and security council held by President Emmanuel Macron, which also addressed the recent release of two French nationals detained in Iran.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastFrench Minister Condemns Israeli Strikes on Lebanon as 'Intolerable'
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has strongly condemned recent Israeli military strikes on Lebanon, labeling the attacks as 'intolerable.' Speaking on France Inter radio, Barrot argued that these actions undermine a temporary ceasefire recently reached between the United States and Iran. While he affirmed that Iran must cease terrorizing Israel through Hezbollah and that the group should be disarmed with weapons handed to the Lebanese state, he emphasized that Lebanon should not serve as a scapegoat for political grievances simply because a truce exists between Washington and Tehran. The minister's comments highlight the delicate diplomatic balance in the region, where efforts to stabilize the situation are threatened by continued hostilities despite high-level negotiations.
Section FeedFrench Foreign Minister Calls on Iran to End Support for Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthis
Jean-Noël Barrol, the French Foreign Minister, has strongly condemned Israel's extensive attacks on Lebanon. In a significant diplomatic statement, he urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately cease its support for proxy groups, specifically naming Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Furthermore, Barrol emphasized the critical need for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure global maritime security. The minister also declared that any future ceasefire agreement must explicitly include Lebanon within its framework. This statement highlights France's active role in regional diplomacy, seeking to de-escalate tensions while addressing the root causes of conflict involving Iranian-backed militias. The remarks reflect growing international pressure on Tehran to alter its strategic posture in the Middle East amidst ongoing hostilities.
ایران اینترنشنالFrance Condemns Israel's Lebanon Strikes Amidst Ceasefire Concerns
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has strongly condemned recent Israeli strikes on Lebanon, describing them as 'unacceptable' following a deadly incident that killed 182 people and injured 890. These attacks occurred just one day after the United States and Iran brokered a two-week ceasefire agreement intended to de-escalate tensions in the region. The French minister warned that such military actions could severely undermine the fragile truce. Meanwhile, Iran and Hezbollah have launched retaliatory measures in response to the strikes, heightening regional instability. This diplomatic clash highlights the precarious balance of the current ceasefire negotiations and the potential for further escalation despite international efforts to secure peace.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesLebanon's Speaker Berri Claims Inclusion in US-Iran Ceasefire, Urges Pakistan to Pressure Israel
Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, asserted that Lebanon is included in a temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Following this declaration, Berri contacted Pakistani officials to report Tel Aviv's alleged non-compliance with the truce terms. He explicitly requested that Pakistan communicate with the United States to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel to adhere to the agreement. This statement highlights ongoing tensions regarding the implementation of ceasefires in the region and underscores Lebanon's strategic alignment with Iranian interests while seeking international mediation through allies like Pakistan.
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