Middle East: Hezbollah condemns latest Israel-Lebanon talks
Hezbollah and Lebanon's government traded verbal blows amid the latest round of talks with Israel in Italy. And the Trump administration is touting progress in talks with Iran, despite no word from Tehran. DW has more.
On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Hezbollah, the powerful Iran-backed militia in Lebanon, harshly criticized ongoing US-sponsored direct talks between Israel and Lebanon. The militia's chief, Naim Qassem, asserted that these direct negotiations would only bring Lebanon shame and successive concessions. He further alleged that President Joseph Aoun had failed to act as a neutral mediator, becoming biased and divisive instead.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration claimed progress in talks with Iran, aiming to secure the Strait of Hormuz shipping. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a deal could be reached as early as this week, allowing ships to pass freely through the strait. However, Iran denied these claims, stating it was negotiating with Oman. Lebanon's government also attempted to order Hezbollah to cease any attacks on Israel following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, but the effort proved unsuccessful.
The Rome talks aim to replace Israeli military presence in southern Lebanese towns with Lebanese troops, who would be expected to disarm Hezbollah fighters and prevent attacks on northern Israel, known as "pilot zones." The effectiveness of securing and enforcing Hezbollah's cooperation remains unclear.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Israel-Lebanon talks have begun in Rome, US State Department says middleeasteye.net
- US-facilitated Israel-Lebanon talks have begun, says State Department al-monitor.com
- Middle East: India says commercial ship sunk off Yemen dw.com
- The soaring demand for Patriot missiles, from the Middle East to Ukraine npr.org
