US officials revealed that the deal with Iran does not require Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon and that Israel still has the right to retaliate if Hezbollah launches attacks.
CNN reported on 15 Jun 2026, citing a senior US government official who disclosed that the latest US-Iran agreement contains no clauses forcing Israel to pull its troops out of Lebanon.
"Their withdrawal is not a condition of this agreement," the official said. "If Iran cannot control Hezbollah and they continue to attack Israeli military or cities, Israel certainly has the right to defend itself and respond."
Previously, Israeli officials insisted they would not halt their military operations in Lebanon. Israel had launched attacks against Hezbollah, which is heavily supported by Iran, amid Iran's calls for any agreement to include a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Additionally, US officials expressed hope that Israel and Lebanon would make progress in their own negotiations, clarifying that the ongoing fighting will not obstruct or cause the Trump administration's deal with Iran to stall.
"Both sides feel they are being invaded and harmed by the other," the official said. "Therefore, we hope to find a way to build a new framework for regional cooperation based on modern times and current aspirations."
,cnn