Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon occupied areas amid US-Iran peace deal reports
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DUBAI – Israel on Monday said it would not withdraw from areas it currently occupied in Lebanon amid reported interim peace deal between US and Iran. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel intends to maintain its presence in parts of Lebanon, as well as in Syria and the Gaza Strip, describing the positions as necessary for security and stating that Israel’s stance remains unchanged. Israeli statement has raised fresh uncertainty over a reported interim peace deal between the United States and Iran likely to be held in Geneva on June 19, Friday. He also warned that any Iranian response to Israeli military operations in Lebanon would be met with a strong counteraction. The developments come amid continued Israeli strikes against Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon, including reported attacks in Beirut’s southern suburbs, which have further complicated diplomatic efforts linked to the US-Iran understanding. The reported agreement between Washington and Tehran is also expected to address wider issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and its stockpile of enriched uranium. The framework reportedly allows 60 days for negotiations on outstanding matters. US President Donald Trump earlier welcomed the breakthrough, announcing that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened for commercial shipping and that restrictions on Iranian maritime access would be lifted. However, he later clarified that the measures would only take effect after the formal signing. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the agreement on state television, adding that Tehran would not begin implementation until it is formally signed. Pakistan was the first to announce the development, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying both sides had agreed to halt military operations across multiple fronts and move toward structured negotiations. He said mediators would now facilitate technical talks aimed at building a framework for longer-term stability, while noting that the