TEHRAN, (PIC)
In an indication of the escalation of the battle of political conditions parallel to the battlefield, Tehran is seeking to expand the framework of any potential settlement, by linking a ceasefire to regional files that go beyond the limits of direct confrontation, foremost among them the Lebanese arena, in return for Israeli insistence on separating the fronts and investing the current balance of power.
Iran informed mediators of the necessity of including Lebanon in any ceasefire agreement with the United States and Israel, conditioning the end of Israeli attacks on Hezbollah as part of any settlement, according to what was reported by press reports on Wednesday.
In contrast, Israeli officials said in media briefings that Tel Aviv refuses to include the Lebanese file in ceasefire negotiations with Iran, and affirms its determination to continue the war in Lebanon, claiming to detect “weakness” in Hezbollah, and stressing the need to “exploit the opportunity”.
Iran’s Press TV channel quoted an Iranian official as saying that Tehran wants any agreement with Washington to lead to ending the war on Iran and the “resistance groups” in the region, while Reuters reported that Tehran is still studying an American proposal to end the regional war ongoing for about one month, without making a final decision on it.
According to regional sources, Iran informed mediators since mid-March of its pursuit of an agreement that includes stopping Israeli attacks on Hezbollah, while an official in the administration of US President Donald Trump indicated that ending “Iran’s proxy activities” and disarming Hezbollah are two main conditions to achieve stability in Lebanon and the region.
Iranian “guarantees” for Hezbollah
In this context, a regional source revealed that Hezbollah received Iranian “guarantees” to include it in any broader agreement, adding that Tehran gives priority to the Lebanese file, and refuses to repeat what it considers “Israeli violations that followed the ceasefire in 2024”.
This comes at a time when Hezbollah’s influence internally declined after the 2024 war, in parallel with unprecedented pressure from the Lebanese government to disarm it, and ban its military activities.
Politically, Beirut escalated its position by declaring the new Iranian ambassador persona non grata, which sparked criticism from Hezbollah and prominent Shiite figures, indicating additional complexity in the relationship between the Lebanese state and Tehran.
In reading the party’s position, Reuters quoted a foreign official in Beirut as saying that Hezbollah is relying on a truce supported by Iran to strengthen its political position internally.
Israel separates the fronts
In contrast, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that Tel Aviv “has not conducted and will not conduct negotiations with the Iranian regime”, while a source familiar with the Israeli military strategy indicated that attacks on Hezbollah are likely to continue even after the end of the confrontation with Iran, considering the two fronts separate.
According to Lebanese sources, Hezbollah’s calculations when it entered the war were based on the assumption of the survival of the Iranian leadership, and reaching a regional ceasefire that includes Lebanon, which has not been achieved so far.
On the ground, Lebanese authorities reported that Israeli raids since the beginning of March resulted in more than 1,000 killed, and the displacement of more than one million people.
Five Iranian conditions Tehran set five main conditions for any agreement to stop the war, including: Stopping attacks and assassinations.
Providing guarantees that prevent the recurrence of war.
Determining and paying compensation.
Ending fighting on all fronts, including its allies in the region.
Recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz as part of guarantee arrangements.
In parallel, reports spoke of an American proposal of 15 clauses that was conveyed to Tehran through Pakistani mediation, including a temporary ceasefire, and clauses related to the Iranian nuclear program, support for armed factions, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in return for easing or lifting sanctions.
While Tehran officially denies entering direct negotiations, it confirms its adherence to ending the war “on its conditions”, at a time when the White House continues to push towards an agreement, hinting at a wide escalation in case of its failure.