Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 16: The United States has clarified that a potential ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is not part of its ongoing negotiations with Iran, even as diplomatic efforts intensify to reduce regional tensions.

A senior US administration official said Washington had “not asked for” a truce in Lebanon and that the matter is not included in Iran-related peace discussions. However, the official added that President Donald Trump would welcome an end to hostilities between Israel and Lebanon if it emerged as part of a broader peace arrangement.

The clarification follows rare direct discussions between Israel and Lebanon hosted at the US State Department by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks were described as an initial step toward easing tensions and potentially opening pathways for future agreements.

US officials emphasized that the current strategy is focused on confidence-building measures rather than immediate ceasefire enforcement. The goal, they said, is to create conditions for a more durable peace through gradual trust-building between the two sides.

“The United States’ focus is on building trust between the two governments so that we can create space for a peace deal,” one official said, adding that both sides must develop political momentum for any long-term settlement.

Officials also stressed that negotiations with Iran are being kept separate from Israel–Lebanon discussions to avoid complications across multiple conflict tracks in the region.

Reports have suggested that Israel may be considering a short-term ceasefire in Lebanon amid ongoing clashes with Iran-backed Hezbollah. However, the proposal remains under discussion, and it is unclear whether all parties would agree.

Tensions along the Israel–Lebanon border have escalated since Israel launched a military campaign earlier this year following rocket attacks by Hezbollah, leading to civilian displacement and concerns about wider regional instability.

Washington’s approach, officials indicated, is aimed at incremental progress rather than rapid resolutions, with an emphasis on sustained dialogue as a foundation for long-term stability in the region.