Iran’s top diplomat has stated that a tentative peace agreement with the United States would require Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, a demand Israel has rejected and one that could jeopardize the deal. The proposed agreement aims to end months of conflict in the Middle East but has been complicated by differing interpretations and unresolved issues.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized on Tuesday that “without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end.” Iran has insisted that an end to hostilities include a cessation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon, a stance backed by Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group that has been fighting Israel in southern Lebanon.

Israel, however, maintains it will remain in Lebanon as long as necessary. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for withdrawal, arguing that Israel’s military presence is essential to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities and protect Israeli security. As of Tuesday, Netanyahu had reportedly not reviewed the specific details of the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran, while Israeli officials have not formally requested access to the document. The Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, described the inclusion of Lebanon in the agreement as “unnecessary and unhelpful.”

The conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement, with nearly 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, including hundreds of civilians, and over a million people displaced. Israeli operations expanded following Hezbollah missile strikes near the border, with Israeli forces seizing large areas in southern Lebanon and targeting positions in Beirut. Despite military efforts, Hezbollah retains missile capabilities that threaten Israeli territory.

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Israel’s actions in Lebanon, describing recent Israeli attacks as “vicious” and urging Israeli leadership to act “more responsibly.” Speaking at the Group of Seven summit in France, Trump said he was “not happy with the way Israel has handled themselves with Lebanon and with Hezbollah.” Trump also indicated openness to submitting the proposed agreement to the U.S. Congress for review, asserting confidence in its approval.

The forthcoming peace deal, set to be signed at a ceremony in Switzerland on Friday, is mediated by Pakistan and Qatar alongside the U.S. and Iran, and includes plans for an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lifting of the American naval blockade of Iranian ports. The agreement envisages a 60-day period of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief, with potential release of frozen Iranian assets and billions of dollars pledged by Gulf Arab states to aid Iran’s reconstruction, contingent on Tehran meeting agreed benchmarks.

However, key questions remain, particularly regarding the status of Iran’s nuclear stockpile and compliance verification mechanisms. While Iran has agreed in principle to discuss possible dilution or removal of its highly enriched uranium, internal resistance among hard-liners casts doubt on the extent of Iran’s concessions.

Lebanon’s government, which has engaged in U.S.-mediated talks separate from the U.S.-Iran negotiations, has expressed cautious support for the ceasefire component of the broader deal, though previous ceasefires brokered under U.S. auspices have repeatedly faltered on the ground.

As the signing date approaches, tensions persist over Lebanon’s role in the agreement, reflecting broader challenges in achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.