Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ceasefire, contingent on Hezbollah stopping its fire and pulling its operatives out of southern Lebanon. The deal came out of U.S.-mediated talks, and a joint statement laid out plans for pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces will have exclusive control—no non-state actors allowed. But there's no timeline for those zones yet.
Israel is making it clear: lasting security means Hezbollah must be disarmed and its infrastructure removed across Lebanon. Lebanon's counter is that peace requires respect for its internationally recognized borders and full sovereignty. The U.S. has said it will support the Lebanese Armed Forces to help them take control of the whole country. All parties also condemned Iran's attacks on regional countries and activities that undermine stability in the Middle East.
The talks were intense—nearly nine hours on Wednesday, after a full day on Tuesday—facilitated by the State Department. Both sides agreed to resume political and security negotiations the week of June 22 to reach a comprehensive agreement. The U.S. will keep facilitating communication in the meantime.
But don't pop the champagne just yet. Despite the ceasefire, violations have been reported as Israel and Hezbollah continue to trade strikes, according to CNN.
Trump Confirms Heated Call With Netanyahu
The Israeli government had previously threatened to escalate its actions in Lebanon, potentially jeopardizing U.S.-Iran talks. President Donald Trump confirmed on the "Pod Force One" podcast that he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "effing crazy" during a phone call amid the fighting in Lebanon. Trump said he was frustrated by Israel's continued military actions while the U.S. was working to broker a broader regional de-escalation.
Trump acknowledged the remark but said he wasn't angry, just "a little bit perturbed" by Netanyahu's constant fighting with Lebanon. Despite the criticism, Trump emphasized that he and Netanyahu have a strong relationship and recalled telling the Israeli leader, "Bibi, we got to stop this."
US Keeps Pressure On Iran
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said the U.S. wants Iran's enriched uranium and expects to get it soon. "At some time, in the not too distant future," Trump said. However, Iran has reportedly been inconsistent in allowing access to its nuclear sites, said the President. He added that the sites are closely monitored through satellites and warned that the U.S. would take possible action if needed.
Furthermore, a Wall Street Journal report suggested that Trump has privately told aides he may end the ceasefire with Iran if American troops are killed, though the current pause in airstrikes is still holding despite ongoing skirmishes.
War Powers Vote Challenges Trump
In another significant development, the House of Representatives voted 215-208 to pass a war powers resolution restricting Trump's ability to continue military action against Iran without congressional approval. The measure, supported by Democrats and four Republicans, requires the withdrawal of U.S. forces unless Congress authorizes military action or declares war.
The House's passage of the War Powers Resolution is a political blow to the White House, but it is unlikely to end the Iran conflict soon. The measure must still pass both chambers in identical form, and Trump is expected to veto it. Supporters also lack the two-thirds majority needed in Congress to override a presidential veto.
