Israel, Hezbollah renew ceasefire after 25 killed in Lebanon fighting
Why it matters: The truce is a key test of delayed US-Iran diplomacy and wider efforts to keep Gulf shipping open.
Israel and Hezbollah moved to renew a ceasefire Friday after heavy fighting in southern Lebanon killed at least 21 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers, putting new strain on a broader U.S.-Iran framework. Regional officials and a U.S. official said Qatar, the United States and Iran mediated the truce, though Hezbollah had not immediately confirmed it and Israel did not publicly respond. Overnight, Israel struck targets in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley after the military said Hezbollah attacks near Nabatiyeh hit a tank and wounded five more soldiers. The violence also derailed planned U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland, after Iranian officials insisted the Lebanon fighting stop before negotiations resume.