Lead:

Diplomatic momentum toward a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon intensified Friday, as US-Iran negotiations over a memorandum of understanding advanced, with multiple Lebanese and Iranian officials signaling that Lebanon would be explicitly included in any final agreement. The developments unfolded against a backdrop of continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and deepening divisions within Lebanese political circles over the conduct and terms of ongoing Washington negotiations.

Details:

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that Lebanon would be explicitly referenced in the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, while Hezbollah's Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Hussein al-Hajj Hassan stated that a ceasefire agreement would obligate Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory. According to An-Nahar, al-Hajj Hassan further indicated that Iranian officials had directly informed Hezbollah that Israel would be required to withdraw under the terms of the anticipated deal. A western source cited by Reuters suggested that US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf would be the signatories to the agreement.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, however, maintained a firm position that Hezbollah must align with the Lebanese government's negotiating track in Washington "at the same pace, if not faster," and stressed that no party other than the Lebanese state is authorized to negotiate on Lebanon's behalf. Saudi Arabia is actively involved in parallel, with reports indicating that Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan's visit to Beirut is aimed at re-coordinating efforts among Lebanon's three presidencies ahead of the anticipated fifth round of Lebanese-Israeli-American negotiations, scheduled for late June. An-Nahar reported that Saudi diplomatic activity is accelerating in an effort to prevent Lebanon's file from being subordinated to the broader Iranian negotiating track.

Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Gebran Bassil offered a cautious assessment during a televised interview, warning that Iran would not sacrifice Hezbollah as a strategic asset but cautioning that Iran prioritizes its own interests over Lebanon's. Addiyar reported that MP Amin Sherri expressed qualified optimism about the US-Iran understanding while simultaneously criticizing the Washington talks as yielding concessions without sufficient guarantees for Lebanon. On the ground, Israeli forces conducted artillery shelling, airstrikes, and ground maneuvers targeting multiple southern villages including Kafr Tibnit, Majdal Zoun, Sarfand, and al-Bayad, while Hezbollah claimed to have repelled an Israeli advance near Majdal Zoun.

Watch For:

Whether the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, once signed, will contain binding language on Lebanon's ceasefire terms and Israeli withdrawal timelines — or leave these as subject to separate negotiation.

Whether Lebanese government coordination with Hezbollah can be established ahead of the fifth Washington negotiating round, currently scheduled for June 22-24, or whether the two tracks remain divergent.

Whether escalating Israeli military activity in the south signals a deliberate effort to apply pressure before any agreement is finalized, or reflects independent operational objectives on the ground.