A source familiar with the negotiations says the US-Iran talks now hinge on the scope of Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Iran demands a full withdrawal, which Israel rejects outright. The US reportedly prefers a limited withdrawal to the 'yellow line' — the April ceasefire line — but Israel also opposes that, having advanced significantly beyond it.
A source familiar with the US-Iran negotiations told Israeli journalist Michael Shemesh that the talks have hit a core impasse: the scope of Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Iran is demanding a full Israeli withdrawal — which, according to the source, 'will of course not happen.'
The source outlined the military reality on the ground: five IDF outposts in Lebanon that existed at the start of Operation Roaring Lion; the IDF's advance to the 'yellow line' under the April ceasefire; and a significant further advance since then. Israel rejects any withdrawal. The US is reportedly pushing for a withdrawal to the April ceasefire line, but Israel refuses that as well.
As The Zioneer reported at 22:30 Jerusalem — the same source described the emerging framework as centered on the scope of Israeli action, not on a cessation of hostilities. The broader diplomatic picture includes a series of unverified claims from Iranian sources in recent days, including demands for Hezbollah prisoner releases and assertions that the US will compel Israel to end the war. These have not been confirmed by official Israeli or US channels.
3 developments
- DevelopingAmichai Stein: Iran control clause in US-Iran deal weakens Israel-Lebanon talks
- DevelopingReport: US trying to persuade Iran with offer tying withdrawal to de-escalation
- DevelopingIsrael objects to Trump demand to halt Lebanon fighting as part of Iran deal
- ConfirmedIsraeli officials fear Trump may seek to limit IDF operations in Lebanon
Source and signal
- Open-source intake