Trump Says Lebanon Was ‘Not Included’ in Ceasefire Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump said Lebanon was excluded from the Iran ceasefire. Israeli strikes continued as diplomacy efforts intensified. Global leaders urged restraint as ceasefire violations were reported.
Lebanon Ceasefire Exclusion Quick Looks
- Trump says Lebanon not included in ceasefire
- Israeli strikes continue in Beirut
- Pakistan urges restraint from all sides
- Saudi Arabia intercepts Iranian drones
- China highlights mediation efforts
- U.N. envoy travels to Iran
- Gulf nations fear Iran stronger after deal
- Iran residents welcome pause cautiously
- Shipping firms remain cautious about Hormuz
- Congress seeks review of Iran peace plan
Deep Look: Lebanon Conflict Continues Despite Iran Ceasefire
WASHINGTON / BEIRUT — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Lebanon was not included in the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as Israeli airstrikes and regional tensions continued across the Middle East.
In a brief telephone interview, Trump said Hezbollah’s involvement in Lebanon made it a separate conflict.
“Lebanon was not included because of Hezbollah,” Trump said. “That’s a separate skirmish.”
The comments came as Israeli strikes hit Beirut and southern Lebanon, highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
Italian Troops Incident Raises Concerns
Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani demanded explanations after Israeli warning shots forced an Italian military convoy to turn back in southern Lebanon.
The convoy, part of the United Nations peacekeeping force, was traveling toward Beirut during Israeli airstrikes. No injuries were reported, though an Italian vehicle was damaged.
“To reiterate, the Italian soldiers in southern Lebanon are not to be touched,” Tajani said, expressing concern about escalating tensions.
Italy provides the second-largest contingent of peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon.
Pakistan Urges Restraint
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all sides to respect the ceasefire and avoid further escalation.
“I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire,” Sharif said.
Pakistan is preparing to host negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials later this week in Islamabad.
Sharif described the ceasefire as a “first step” toward broader peace.
Iran Residents Welcome Pause
Residents in Tehran welcomed the ceasefire but remained cautious about its long-term impact.
A university student said the pause provided emotional relief after weeks of bombardment.
“Everyone I’ve spoken with, it’s given them a new life,” the student said.
However, another resident expressed skepticism, noting that infrastructure damage and economic losses remain severe.
“It’s just a two-week pause,” she said. “It’s not clear what will happen.”
China Highlights Mediation Role
China emphasized its diplomatic efforts in securing the ceasefire, noting phone calls and negotiations with regional leaders.
Officials said China quietly worked alongside Pakistan to encourage Iran to agree to the temporary pause.
China, Iran’s largest trading partner, has sought a larger diplomatic role during the crisis.
Shipping Firms Remain Cautious
Danish shipping giant Maersk said it is evaluating whether to resume transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The company said the ceasefire improves prospects but does not guarantee safety.
“Any decision to transit… will be based on continuous risk assessments,” Maersk said.
Hundreds of vessels remain near the strait awaiting clearer conditions.
Gulf Nations Concerned
A Gulf Arab diplomat said regional countries fear Iran could emerge stronger from the ceasefire.
Concerns include potential sanctions relief and Iran charging fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait emphasized that navigation must remain unrestricted.
Gulf nations also expressed concern about being excluded from negotiations.
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drones
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting nine drones Wednesday, underscoring ongoing security risks.
Despite the ceasefire, attacks and military tensions continue across the region.
Congressional Review Sought
Sen. Lindsey Graham called for congressional review of any Iran peace agreement.
Graham said Iran must surrender all enriched uranium as part of a final deal.
“Allowing this regime to enrich in the future would be inconsistent with denying Iran a pathway toward a bomb,” Graham said.
Rescue Efforts Continue in Beirut
Rescue workers in Beirut searched for survivors following Israeli airstrikes.
Emergency crews removed burned vehicles and debris from a major intersection.
Associated Press journalists reported bodies in vehicles and streets as smoke continued to rise.
UN Envoy Travels to Iran
U.N. envoy Jean Arnault arrived in Iran to support diplomatic efforts.
Officials said the envoy would meet with Iranian leaders to discuss long-term solutions.
Fragile Ceasefire
Despite diplomatic progress, the conflict remains volatile.
Israel continues strikes in Lebanon, regional tensions persist, and negotiations remain uncertain.
The coming days will determine whether the ceasefire leads to lasting peace or renewed conflict.
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