Israeli strikes in Lebanon trigger ceasefire talks and put U.S.–Iran negotiations on hold

Planned U.S.–Iran negotiations in Switzerland were put on hold after renewed Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and resulting diplomatic activity, a news broadcast reported. The vice president canceled travel late Thursday and the White House said a 60-day clock is already underway to address nuclear-enrichment issues.

The broadcast, reporting from the White House, said smoke rose over southern Lebanon after what it described as the deadliest attack since a tentative U.S.–Iran deal was reached. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported at least 18 people were killed, and Israel said four of its soldiers were killed.

"The IDF will act to thwart any threat to our forces and territory," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement read on the broadcast. President Trump was quoted saying the United States is committed to peace and that he "expects a ceasefire on all fronts, including between Hezbollah and Israel." The White House also told reporters that the 60-day period for negotiating the stickier issues of Iran’s nuclear program and curbing future enrichment will proceed despite the postponement.

Unattributed sources cited by the broadcast said a ceasefire is now underway and that Qatar, the United States and Iran mediated the arrangement. A negotiator quoted later in the report warned the next phase of talks would be bound by the regime’s red lines and said, according to the broadcast, that if the U.S. sought to be "excessive, our fingers are on the trigger."

An unidentified commentator was quoted in the report saying, "If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world." The broadcast did not attribute that remark to a named official.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill were described as ranging from highly critical to skeptical about the deal; one quoted line that aired said, "This is a deal that in many ways does not achieve any of the ends." The broadcast concluded with the reporter signing off from the White House.

The situation's next practical effects were not specified in the report: the broadcast did not provide a new date for rescheduling the Switzerland talks, nor did it detail the terms of the reported ceasefire beyond the mediation claim. The White House comment about the 60-day clock indicates the administration intends to continue formal review of nuclear issues despite the temporary disruption.