Iran War Day 98: Tehran Skeptical of Deal, Lebanon Fighting Continues

Israel continues deadly airstrikes across Lebanon, despite the announcement of a new US-brokered ceasefire plan reached between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington, DC. The escalating violence has driven casualties higher: Lebanon's Public Health Ministry reports at least 3,526 people killed and 10,733 wounded in Israeli attacks since March 2.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the ceasefire deal, calling it a 'farce' and warning that northern Israel will remain a target as long as Israeli forces continue bombing Lebanon. This has further raised doubts about the prospects for a durable ceasefire.

Iran: Mohsen Rezaei, an advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, said the draft memorandum being negotiated to end the war still contains 'ambiguities' that need to be clarified. Speaking on Iranian state television, Rezaei accused US President Donald Trump of seeking to pressure Tehran into accepting Washington's terms while leaving Iran's conditions in 'a state of ambiguity'.

War diplomacy: Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett in Washington reported the White House is facing growing questions about why a negotiated deal with Iran remains necessary, after President Trump repeatedly stated US military action had 'destroyed' Iran's nuclear program. Critics ask: 'If military objectives were achieved, do further negotiations remain necessary?' Halkett stressed that with the war entering its tenth week and talks stalled, it is increasingly difficult for the administration to reconcile its claims of success with ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the conditional ceasefire reached by Lebanese and Israeli officials in the US, demanding a complete ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. Qassem also warned of further attacks on northern Israel, indicating difficulties in achieving a durable peace. Both sides blamed each other for a previous ceasefire breach in April.

Gulf states: Reuters reported that Oman has suspended crude oil loading operations at its key Mina al-Fahal port after an explosion near the single-point mooring buoys. According to unnamed sources, the blast occurred between mooring buoys SBM 1 and SBM 2 and is believed to have been caused by a drone attack.

In the US: President Trump said Washington could access Iran's enriched uranium without reaching a deal with Tehran, arguing the material was essentially 'buried'. Trump also said he has no plans to meet Iran's Supreme Leader but suggested a meeting could occur if a deal is reached, adding 'if that happens… I'll be respectful'.

In Israel: Israel's Channel 10 reported that hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Israelis blocked Highway 1 to protest the government's mandatory conscription orders for religious students. The protests began after police stopped two students and transferred one to military authorities. A large number of police and border guards were deployed to clear the highway and disperse protesters.

In Lebanon: Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem in Beirut noted that Hezbollah remains a key factor in decisions on fighting and ceasefire with Israel, 'regardless of what the Lebanese government says'. With Hezbollah rejecting the US-brokered ceasefire deal, Hashem warned of a high potential for escalation from both Hezbollah and Israel. He noted that southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa valley have faced significant Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks, and Hezbollah's stance suggests 'the situation will be very difficult' in the coming days.