US-Iran war at six months: 82 ships redirected under US blockade, Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon deal

Six months into the US-Iran war, 82 commercial vessels have been redirected under the US blockade, while Hezbollah continues to reject a deal between Israel and Lebanon. The Hezbollah chief, Naim Qassem, reiterated his group's refusal to surrender nearly six months after the war began. Israel and Lebanon had initiated direct talks after Hezbollah's attack on Israel on March 2, which led to Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion that has reportedly caused over 4,300 casualties in Lebanon.

The framework agreement, signed by Lebanon and Israel in late June, aims for Hezbollah's disarmament, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region from pilot zones. However, Hezbollah rejects this agreement, calling it illegitimate, unlawful, humiliating, and destructive to Lebanese sovereignty.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Iran has left the door open to diplomacy, but only if the US stops its pressure campaign. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that pressure does not work, stating that diplomatic efforts must focus on reducing US pressure. Diplomatic efforts, led by Pakistan and Qatar, have been trying to end the war since its start, but no agreement has been reached.

However, the US recently declared an economic war against Iran, while Iran remains open to diplomacy if Washington ceases its pressure tactics.