Hezbollah: Iran Assures 'No Nuclear Deal with U.S. Without Israeli Withdrawal'

Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, stated to Reuters on June 16 (local time) that it has received assurances from Iran that it will demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon during the follow-up negotiation phase of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war.
Hezbollah claimed that "the withdrawal of Israeli forces is not a prerequisite for the continuation of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. following the signing of the ceasefire MOU scheduled for the 19th, but rather an outcome of those negotiations."
The group further emphasized, "There will be no nuclear deal between Iran and the U.S. unless Israeli forces withdraw."
The ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran is understood to include a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.
However, there are significant differences in the interpretation of this agreement.
Iran is presenting the issue of Israeli troop withdrawal as a condition for the ceasefire agreement.
According to the Tasnim News Agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the focus of negotiations with the U.S. had been on ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing the issues of unfreezing Iranian assets and reconstruction.
Minister Araghchi warned, "The end of the war naturally entails the end of the Israeli military's occupation of Lebanese territory," adding that "if Israel launches new attacks on Lebanon or continues its occupation, Iran will consider this a violation of the basic agreement (MOU)."
Israel, however, maintains that it will not withdraw its troops.
In a press conference yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "The fighting is not completely over. It will continue not only against Iran but also against 'Iran's proxies' operating in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the West Bank."
In particular, he emphasized, "We will take all possible measures to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons," and added, "We will continue to station troops in 'buffer zones' in southern Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip for as long as necessary."
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also stated in a statement yesterday that securing a security zone in southern Lebanon is one of the greatest achievements of this war, asserting, "Despite all current or future pressures, we oppose the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon."
The U.S. is also understood to hold the position that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire agreement.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.