Washington flexes leverage as Lebanon war tests Iran ceasefire deal

The U.S. grows frustrated with Israel’s Lebanon campaign as a new U.S.–Iran ceasefire framework pushes for a regional halt to fighting, including Lebanon. The public MoU emphasizes Lebanon’s sovereignty and calls for an end to hostilities on all fronts, while Tehran signals it won’t seal a deal without safeguards. U.S. officials, including Vice President Vance, warn Israel to respect the peace process, and analysts say Washington may use its leverage to press Netanyahu to alter his approach to Lebanon to protect the deal.