US says Lebanon not part of ceasefire deal, Iran says it is

President Trump asserted that Lebanon was excluded from the newly reached two-week ceasefire agreement, which was finalized overnight. In response, Israel initiated a significant series of strikes on Lebanese territory following the announcement of the truce. The White House confirmed that Trump believes the NATO military alliance “tested and they failed” during the Iran conflict, as the president prepared to meet with NATO’s secretary general.

Iranian Parliament Speaker’s Claims

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, criticized the ceasefire, stating it was “unreasonable” to expect bilateral talks or agreements. He cited three violations, including Israel’s ongoing attacks on Lebanon, which he claimed breached the first clause of the deal. Qalibaf referenced Pakistan’s mediation to support his assertion. Meanwhile, Iran also highlighted the destruction of a drone over its city of Lar in Fars province as another breach.

“Let me be clear: We still have objectives to complete, and we will achieve them — either through agreement or through renewed fighting,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a televised address. “Our finger remains on the trigger. This is not the end of the campaign, but a step along the way to achieving all our objectives.”

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel was prepared to resume hostilities if needed, while reaffirming the deal’s full coordination with the US. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that Trump maintains Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire. Leavitt also noted that the president plans to discuss potential revisions to the agreement with Netanyahu during upcoming talks.

Earlier in the day, Trump reportedly told PBS the same position, contradicting Iran’s insistence that Lebanon is covered. Iran threatened to terminate the ceasefire if Israeli strikes on Lebanon persisted. Netanyahu, meanwhile, stated Israeli forces would “continue to strike” Hezbollah, aligning with the US position. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 254 casualties in a single day from the latest attacks.

The White House observed increased maritime activity through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with Leavitt indicating Trump opposes tolls for ships passing through the waterway. This development underscores ongoing tensions in the region as the ceasefire’s terms remain contested.