Fresh friction has surfaced in Middle East peace efforts after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Lebanon is not part of the current de-escalation arrangement, even as Iran warned that upcoming negotiations could fail without a halt to violence there.

Lebanon ‘Outside the Deal,’ Trump Says

Following a Pentagon briefing, President Trump addressed reports of ongoing military strikes in Lebanon amid broader regional tensions involving Iran. Trump clarified that Lebanon’s situation, largely tied to Hezbollah, is a “separate skirmish” and falls outside the scope of the ceasefire.

When questioned about continued Israeli strikes in the region, Trump indicated the issue would be handled separately, describing it as “part of the deal” but not included in the current framework. The briefing ended abruptly amid questions over a prior controversial Truth Social post by the president.

Iran Conditions Talks on Lebanon Ceasefire

Iranian officials have told mediators that U.S.–Iran discussions in Islamabad hinge on stopping violence in Lebanon. Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate Tehran may reconsider key security decisions affecting the Strait of Hormuz if hostilities continue.

Iran has also signaled that ongoing attacks could provoke broader retaliation across the region, including potential actions involving Israel.

Ceasefire at Risk

Diplomatic sources warn that disagreements over Lebanon’s status could threaten the fragile ceasefire, which was designed to prevent escalation into a wider Middle East conflict.