Fragile Iran Cease-Fire May Hang In Balance Over ‘Misunderstanding’ On Lebanon

(RFE/RL) The fragile cease-fire between the United States and Iran could hang in the balance over what Washington has labeled a “misunderstanding” over whether the truce includes Israel’s offensive against Tehran-backed Hezbollah assets in Lebanon. US Vice President JD Vance, during a visit to Hungary, on April 8 said he believes there was a “legitimate misunderstanding” about the terms of the truce announced the night before by President Donald Trump. “I think the ‌Iranians thought that the cease-fire included Lebanon, and it just didn’t,” he said, adding that “neither us nor the Israelis said that that was going to be part of the cease-fire.”. “If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart…over Lebanon…that’s ultimately their choice,” he told reporters, adding that Israel was ready to show restraint in its attacks in Lebanon. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Lebanon was not included in the cease-fire terms. She added: “This will continue to be discussed, I am sure, between the president and Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu, the United States and Israel, and all of the parties involved.”. A statement released by Netanyahu’s office also said the cease-fire did not include Lebanon, which contradicted an earlier statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is acting as a mediator between the two sides. – Fragile Iran Cease-Fire May Hang In Balance Over ‘Misunderstanding’ On Lebanon