From Washington to Tehran, all eyes are on Lebanon.
It could decide the future of the war with Iran and the prospects of reaching an agreement to end it.
Lebanon, until now a marginal battleground in this regional conflict, is now assuming a central role.
This new reality is the result of Iran's persistent efforts to link the fates of the two conflicts, but also the increasingly apparent differences in the priorities of the US president and the Israeli prime minister.
Two battlefields
The 12-hour exchange of fire between Israel and Iran barely ended on Monday, and Lebanon's crucial role immediately re-emerged in the spotlight.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced a cease-fire with Israel, while threatening to resume attacks if Israel does not stop its strikes on both Iran and Lebanon, home to Hezbollah, Tehran's most powerful ally in the region.
"It is emphasized that in case of continuation of aggression and hostilities - including those in southern Lebanon - far harsher and more destructive measures than before will follow", said a statement issued on Monday by the headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya, a key branch of the Revolutionary Guards.
Israel has already carried out several new airstrikes on southern Lebanon, and senior Israeli officials have dismissed Iranian attempts to link the two battlefields and vowed to step up attacks on Hezbollah.
Trump and Netanyahu and Their Different Interests
Iran seems to be not only sticking to that link, but also doubling down on the strategy it's been pursuing since the U.S. and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in April. The first days of that truce were marked by disputes over whether it included Lebanon. Israel initially resisted pressure to stop attacks on its northern neighbor, though Iranian officials and Pakistani intermediaries insisted that Lebanon was part of the deal.
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What was needed was a call from President Donald Trump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him that he had to comply to prevent the collapse of the truce with Iran.
It was the first sign, both for Iran and for the rest of the region, that Trump would not allow Israel's war against Hezbollah to jeopardize the opportunity to end the economically and politically costly war with Iran.
As fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated, and Israel threatened earlier this month to bomb Hezbollah targets in Beirut, Iran threatened to halt talks with the United States if the Lebanese capital was attacked.
Trump, again fearing that Israel would undermine his diplomacy, in a heated phone call forced Netanyahu to call off planned Israeli attacks on Beirut.
Election pressure and geopolitical stakes
Both are facing elections in the fall, with Trump facing congressional races and Netanyahu facing parliamentary races that will decide whether he stays on as prime minister.
With fuel prices high in the U.S., the war has become a political liability for Trump, while unfulfilled war aims in Iran pose a serious threat to Netanyahu's prospects.
Geopolitically, Israel faces a far greater threat than an undefeated and perhaps emboldened Iran and Hezbollah, while American interests are more focused on the economic problems arising from the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
A vicious cycle of escalation
While Israel warned that Hezbollah's missile attacks on northern Israel would trigger Israeli strikes on Beirut, Iran raised the stakes again, threatening to attack Israel in retaliation.
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For Netanyahu, who doesn't trust American diplomacy and wants to go back to war, it practically offers a path back to open conflict with Iran.
So when Hezbollah fired two rockets into northern Israel on Sunday morning - both of which were intercepted - Netanyahu authorized attacks on Beirut. Within hours, Iran fired its first ballistic missiles at Israel since the April ceasefire took effect.
Trump has again been forced to intervene, first to try unsuccessfully to prevent and then to limit Israeli retaliation against Iran, reluctantly watching as his diplomacy with Tehran - which he still claims is in its final stages - collapses, a cycle that is likely to continue, with no end in sight to the conflict in Lebanon and with a new Iranian red line on the table.
The Lebanese diplomatic puzzle
The diplomacy between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at disarming Hezbollah, stopping Israeli attacks on Lebanese soil and finally withdrawing Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, is entirely dependent on Hezbollah's cooperation.
The last agreement between Israel and Lebanon called on Hezbollah to stop attacks on Israel and withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon. Hezbollah rejected the agreement, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory.
And in Islamabad, where several rounds of U.S.-Iranian negotiations have been held, eyes are increasingly focused on Lebanon, with Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir, a key negot…
Read the full article at Index.hr →📄Source document: Reuters→16 reports
Index.hrIndependentLeft2 days agoIran has strongly condemned recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon and directly blamed the United States for the consequences of what it described as repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement. The statement was published by Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, on Telegram. He criticized Israel's 'aggressive and terrorist attacks' and warned of serious consequences for regional peace and security if the escalation continues. Baghaei stated that Washington bears 'direct responsibility' for the current situation, citing Article 1 of the Understanding Memorandum signed on June 18,
Bias read (Left): The article presents Iran's condemnation of Israeli actions and direct blame on the U.S., using strong language such as 'aggressive and terrorist attacks' and emphasizing Iran's stance on protecting its interests and allies. The framing highlights Iran's position without significant counterbalance.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenter2 days agoIsraeli forces intensified attacks on southern Lebanon, killing 15 people according to state news agency NNA. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in several areas as a response to repeated violations of the ceasefire supported by Iran. The escalation follows Israel's announcement of an expanded military control zone in southern Lebanon, challenging the U.S.-brokered temporary ceasefire agreement with Iran signed earlier in the week. A senior Israeli official mentioned ongoing 'stubborn negotiations' with the Trump administration regarding maintaining troop
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on both Israeli military actions and their justification, as well as the international context including the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. No clear emphasis on one side over another is evident.
Official sources cited
- government NNA (Nova Nova Agencija)
- press release Reuters
Telegram.hrIndependentRight2 days agoIsrael has intensified attacks on southern Lebanon, killing 15 people according to state news agency NNA, with Israeli forces targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in response to repeated violations of a ceasefire supported by Iran. The escalation follows Israel's announcement of an expanded military control zone in southern Lebanon, which challenges a U.S.-Iran temporary ceasefire agreement signed Wednesday.
Bias read (Right): The article frames Israel's actions as justified responses to Hezbollah's activities, using terms like 'militants' and emphasizing Israel's military actions without significant counter-narratives or critical perspectives. It also highlights the challenge to the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, aligns
N1 HrvatskaIndependentLeft5 days agoHezbolah has received assurances from its ally Iran that it will demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon in the next phase of negotiations with the United States. This demand would be a result, not a condition, for continuing talks between Tehran and Washington following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries on Friday.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the situation through the perspective of Hezbolah, an organization designated as a terrorist group by several countries including the United States, and highlights their demands from Iran during U.S.-Iran negotiations. The emphasis on Israel’s military presence in Lebanon and the
Index.hrIndependentCenter5 days ago Analyst: Israel is not responding to peace with Iran, Trump is going against themThe article discusses an alleged agreement between the United States and Iran to halt military operations, with the memorandum expected to be signed in Switzerland. The deal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting US sanctions on Iranian ports, and extending the ceasefire in Lebanon. However, it does not address Iran's nuclear program, which is set to remain under discussion for the next 60 days. Israel, which was not involved in the negotiations, continues its attacks on Lebanon. Analyst Denis Avdagić comments that the agreement appears to revert to the situation before Iran's attack
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives without overtly favoring one side. It quotes analysts and provides background on the situation without using biased language or selective sourcing.
Novi listIndependentRight7 days agoU svojoj objavi na Truth Socialu, američki predsjednik Donald Trump izjavio je da izraelski napad na Bejrut 'nije trebao dogoditi se' i da se ne smije upropastiti mogućnost postizanja sporazuma s Iranom. Trump je naglasio da su SAD i Iran 'blizu sklapanja sporazuma koji će donijeti mir u regiju', a da bi sve strane trebale povući. U isto vrijeme, zamjenik čelnika iranskog središnjeg zapovjedništva Hatam al-Anbija izjavio je da izraelski 'zločini' u Bejrutu neće ostati bez posljedica.
Bias read (Right): The article frames Trump's comments in a manner that emphasizes his criticism of Israel's actions while highlighting the potential for peace with Iran. The language used ('besmislen,' 'ne trebao dogoditi se') suggests disapproval of Israel's military response and supports the idea of de-escalation,傾
N1 HrvatskaIndependentRight7 days ago Trump criticized Israel: They responded with a senseless attack. Let's not mess this up!U članku iz N1 Hrvatska, američki predsjednik Donald Trump kritizira izraelski napad na Bejrut, navodeći da je napad 'besmislen' i da bi mogući sporazum s Iranom mogao biti upropastit. Trump ističe da Izrael ima pravo braniti se, ali podstiče sve strane da se povuku i izbjegnu daljnji napadi. U tom kontekstu, zamjenik čelnika iranskog središnjeg zapovjedništva Hatam al-Anbija izjavio je da izraelski 'zločini' u Bejrutu neće ostati bez posljedica.
Bias read (Right): Članak koristi izraz 'besmislen' za opis izraelskog napada, što može ukazivati na negativnu procjenu izraelske akcije. Dodatno, članak naglašava Trumpove riječi o potrebi za povlačenjem svih stranaka i izbjegavanju daljnjih napada, što može ukazivati na pristranost prema izraelskoj politici ili želj
Večernji listIndependentLeft7 days agoIran's chief negotiator accused the United States of not honoring its commitments following Israeli attacks on southern suburbs of Beirut, which Israel claims targeted the pro-Iranian militia Hezbollah. Iranian state media reported that Mohammad Jafar Asadi stated these Israeli actions would not go unpunished. The article also mentions that Iran conditions any agreement with the U.S. on a complete ceasefire, including in Lebanon.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the situation through an Iranian perspective, emphasizing accusations against the U.S. and Israel while highlighting Iran's stance on the conflict. It uses strong language such as 'zločini' (crimes) and 'agresija' (aggression) to describe Israeli actions, and presents Iran's negot
Telegram.hrIndependentLeft7 days ago The world agreement is threatened, Iran threatens Israel: 'Your attack on Beirut will not go unpunished'Iran has warned Israel that its attacks on southern suburbs of Beirut will not go unpunished, according to Iranian state media. The statement comes after Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Beirut, which Israel claims were aimed at terrorist targets. Iran’s chief negotiator accused the United States of failing to uphold its commitments following the attacks, suggesting they threaten ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Three people were reported killed in Beirut.
Bias read (Left): The article frames Iran's actions as justified responses to Israeli aggression, using terms like 'zločini' (crimes) to describe Israeli actions and emphasizing Iran's accusations against the U.S. for not fulfilling its commitments. It presents Iran's stance without significant counterbalance, favori
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicLeft7 days ago An Iranian military official said the Israeli attack on Lebanon will not go unpunishedAn Iranian military official stated that Israel's attacks on southern suburbs of Beirut will not go unpunished, according to Iranian state media. The comments were made following Israeli strikes on southern Beirut suburbs, which Israel claims targeted the pro-Iranian militia Hezbollah. Iran's chief negotiator accused the United States of failing to uphold its commitments after the Israeli attacks, which he said threaten negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Three people died in an Israeli air strike on southern Beirut suburbs, the second such attack in a week, which Israel attributed to報
Bias read (Left): The article presents statements from Iranian officials condemning Israeli actions and accusing the U.S. of failing to meet its commitments, with no counterpoints or alternative perspectives provided. The framing emphasizes Iranian positions without balancing them with Israeli explanations or other国际
Official sources cited
- government Iranski državni mediji
N1 HrvatskaIndependentLeft7 days ago An Iranian military official said the Israeli attack on Lebanon will not go unpunishedAn Iranian military official stated that Israel's attacks on southern suburbs of Beirut will not go unpunished, according to Iranian state media. The statement came after Israeli strikes on the area, which Israel claims targeted the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah. Iran's chief negotiator accused the United States of failing to uphold its commitments following the Israeli attacks, which he said threaten negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Iran has conditioned any agreement with the U.S. on a complete ceasefire, including in Lebanon. Three people were killed in an Israeli air strike on南部的
Bias read (Left): The article uses strong language such as 'zločini' (crimes) to describe Israeli actions and frames the situation as an Iranian response to perceived Western inaction. It emphasizes Iran's stance and quotes Iranian officials without balancing perspectives from other parties involved.
Official sources cited
- government Iranski državni mediji
- press release AFP
Telegram.hrIndependentRight7 days ago Israel struck Hezbollah targets in southern suburbs of Beirut, threatening the US-Iran agreementIsrael has attacked Hezbollah targets in southern suburbs of Beirut following an attack by the Lebanese armed group on Israeli territory. The Israeli military stated it targeted Hezbollah positions in the Dahiyeh district in response to Hezbollah's fire on Israeli soil. Hezbollah confirmed launching rockets and drones toward Israeli forces in southern Lebanon but did not immediately comment on Israel's announcement. The incident raises concerns about the potential disruption of a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the Israeli military action as a justified response to Hezbollah's attacks, using terms like 'terorističke ciljeve' (terrorist targets) to describe Hezbollah positions. It emphasizes Israel's actions without providing balanced context on Hezbollah's motivations or broader regional
Official sources cited
- government Zajednička izjava premijera Benjamina Netanyahua i ministra obrane Israela Katza
- organisation Hezbolah
Index.hrIndependentCenter8 days ago Israel ordered the evacuation of 20 places in southern LebanonIsraeli forces ordered the evacuation of residents from 20 towns and villages in southern Lebanon.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement without editorializing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. It simply reports the action taken by Israeli forces without indicating approval, criticism, or context that would suggest a political bias.
tportalIndependentCenter11 days agoLebanon is positioned as a critical focal point in the Middle East crisis that could determine whether Israel and Iran return to open war or if diplomacy prevails. Iran has threatened new attacks if Israel continues operations against Hezbollah, while differences emerge between US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the conflict's future.
Bias read (Center): The article reports threats, military operations, and leadership differences as factual observations without loaded language, evaluative framing, or evident bias favoring either side.
Index.hrIndependentCenter11 days ago All eyes are on Lebanon. The future of the Middle East could be decided there.The article reports that international attention from major powers, including Washington and Tehran, is focused on Lebanon as a strategically critical location that may shape the future of the Middle East region.
Bias read (Center): The opening frames Lebanon as a focal point of geopolitical interest without obvious editorial slant, presenting it neutrally as an area of concern to multiple powers.
Official sources cited
- press release CNN
- government Khatam al-Anbiya
N1 HrvatskaIndependentLeft12 days ago How Lebanon became a breaking point for the truce: "Together in war, together in peace"The article discusses recent escalations between Israel and Iran, focusing on Iran's direct attacks on Israel following weeks of warnings about continued Israeli strikes on Lebanon threatening diplomacy. It notes that Iran has shifted from using allied armed groups to deploying its own military forces to protect them, according to analysts. The article references Al Jazeera's report on Iran's actions and quotes the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's statement warning of broader retaliation if aggression continues.
Bias read (Left): The article frames Iran's actions as a response to perceived threats and emphasizes Iran's shift toward direct military engagement, which aligns with leftist narratives that often highlight resistance against Western powers. The tone suggests support for Iran's position without significant counter-n
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