Trump Pushes for Lebanon Ceasefire on Day 95 of Iran War as Tehran Threatens to End Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday (day 95 of the conflict) declared that Hezbollah and Israel had agreed to cease hostilities, marking a significant de-escalation effort. The announcement came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut on the same day.

Netanyahu's office said the attacks on Beirut would continue if Hezbollah kept targeting Israeli cities, while military operations in southern Lebanon would proceed according to "plan."

Tehran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Iran could halt talks with the U.S. if Israel's military campaign in Lebanon persists.

Iran insists Lebanon is part of ceasefire terms: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the truce between Tehran and Washington applies across the region, including Lebanon, warning that any violation would undermine the agreement and bring consequences for the U.S. and Israel.

Trump claims diplomatic breakthrough: The U.S. president said he secured commitments from both Israel and Hezbollah to halt fighting after discussions with Netanyahu and Hezbollah intermediaries. He called the move a diplomatic breakthrough, preventing a major Israeli assault on Beirut and helping sustain broader regional talks.

Lebanese tensions test wider diplomacy: Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett noted Trump's intervention stemmed from fears that an Israeli push into Beirut could disrupt negotiations with Iran. She said a wide gap remains between Washington's optimism and Israel's statements, making a fragile process that could quickly collapse.

U.S. lawmakers criticize conflict management: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump's handling of the war, arguing that prolonging the fighting endangers U.S. troops and increases economic pressure on Americans through higher gas prices. Representative Ilhan Omar accused Israel of committing atrocities with impunity, warning that tactics used in Gaza are being repeated in Lebanon, and called for an immediate halt to U.S. military aid to Israel.

Israeli cabinet reacts: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized Trump's efforts to stop planned strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, saying Israel should continue military operations against Hezbollah and urging Netanyahu to reject U.S. pressure when necessary. Security analyst Andreas Krieg said Israel faces growing pressure; despite tactical gains, Tel Aviv has not achieved a significant strategic advantage, leaving Netanyahu eager to show progress before any U.S.-backed ceasefire.

Clashes continue in Lebanon: Israeli airstrikes were reported to target southern Lebanon overnight and into early morning, with two wounded pulled from rubble after an attack in Tyre. Hezbollah said it launched 41 attacks on Monday, including missile and drone strikes on Israeli troop concentrations, military bases, and air defense systems. The armed group also reported ambushes and clashes with Israeli forces advancing into southern Lebanon, saying these attacks were in response to continued assaults on civilians and violations of the ceasefire agreement.