Iran’s armed forces warned on Tuesday evening that Israel should expect a “strong response” if it does not stop its attacks in southern Lebanon. Tehran did not specify the form of retaliation, but the warning raised the possibility of missile fire and was tied to Iran’s claim that Israeli strikes in Lebanon violate an agreement with the United States. Israel, meanwhile, appears to be trying to separate the Lebanon fighting from the nuclear track with Iran.
The exchange came as Israel continued striking southern Lebanon, including on Tuesday. By late afternoon, reports said at least four people had been killed in Israeli attacks across several areas of Lebanon. Iran is also trying to link Lebanon to its own interests, and Reuters reported that Hezbollah received assurances from Tehran that it would not sign a final nuclear deal without a commitment that Israel withdraw from Lebanon.
At the same time, President Donald Trump criticized Israel’s conduct toward Hezbollah during a meeting with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. “I don’t like the way Israel is going about it with Hezbollah,” Trump said. “I have had good relations with Bibi, but now he needs to be more responsible in Lebanon. Israel should have finished the issue with Hezbollah quickly. But it is taking them forever.”
Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that a new U.S.-Iran understanding would let Iran immediately resume oil and fuel exports without sanctions, a first sign for American officials that Tehran has improved its position since before the war. The report said sanctions waivers would take effect as soon as the deal is signed this week, alongside banking, shipping, and insurance permissions, while further economic relief would depend on Iranian nuclear concessions and moves on the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. official said Iran would not yet regain access to billions of dollars in frozen funds, though the framework could later include up to $100 billion in frozen assets and even a $300 billion reconstruction fund if Iran destroys enriched uranium and dismantles its nuclear program. Trump said on social media that the United States would not put money into the reconstruction fund.
