Iran has communicated to mediators that any ceasefire arrangement with the US and Israel must extend to include Lebanon, advocating for the cessation of attacks on Hezbollah as a prerequisite for concluding the conflict. This position is supported by six regional sources familiar with Tehran's stance.
As reported by Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV, an official stated that Tehran seeks to ensure that any deal with Washington encompasses not only a halt in hostilities against Iran but also against various "resistance groups" in the region.
A high-ranking Iranian official mentioned that Tehran continues to assess a US proposal intended to resolve the ongoing conflict, indicating that the proposal has not been entirely dismissed at this point.
Sources revealed that Iran had indicated as early as mid-March that it desired a more comprehensive arrangement that includes the cessation of Israeli military actions against the Lebanese armed faction, Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, which was formed in 1982 by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, initiated its involvement in the conflict on March 2 by launching attacks against Israel. This prompted Israel to retaliate with a significant aerial and ground offensive in Lebanon.
There has been no immediate response from Iran’s foreign ministry, Israel’s foreign ministry, or the Israeli military regarding this reported position.
Additionally, a senior official from the Trump administration had stated that ending Iran’s “proxy actions” and disarming Hezbollah are critical to achieving peace and stability in Lebanon and the surrounding area.
According to one regional source who spoke to Reuters, Hezbollah has received “Iranian assurances” that it will be featured in any broader ceasefire agreement.
“Iran is focusing on Lebanon—it will not tolerate Israeli transgressions in Lebanon similar to those that occurred post the 2024 ceasefire,” stated the source, referring to Israel's continuous attacks despite a truce following the previous conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
This issue emerges during a delicate period in Lebanon's political landscape, as Hezbollah's involvement in the current conflict has exacerbated divisions among various sectarian groups. The group has witnessed a decline in its influence following substantial losses in the 2024 war and amidst a new Lebanese administration’s calls for disarmament.
Recently, Lebanon’s foreign ministry designated the newly appointed Iranian ambassador as persona non grata, a decision that faced backlash from Hezbollah and other significant Shiite leaders who argued for the envoy's retention.
A foreign official in Beirut acquainted with Hezbollah's perspective indicated that the group believes an Iran-supported ceasefire could potentially bolster its political position within the country.
Israel’s foreign ministry has declared that “Israel does not negotiate with the Iranian terror regime.” However, a source informed about Israeli military strategies indicated that strikes against Hezbollah are likely to persist even if the aerial conflict with Iran concludes, viewing the two operations as distinct.
Lebanese authorities have reported that Israeli assaults since March 2 have resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and displaced more than a million residents.
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