WASHINGTON: US Vice President JD Vance has categorically denied that Lebanon was part of the recent ceasefire understanding between the United States and Iran, clarifying that the arrangement was narrowly focused on Tehran and Washington’s regional allies.
Speaking to reporters before departing from Hungary, Vance stated that the US “never made that promise,” rejecting claims that Lebanon was included. He emphasized that the truce framework centered on Iran and key US partners, including Israel and Gulf Arab states.
The remarks have put Shehbaz Sharif in a difficult position after he publicly suggested that Lebanon was part of the deal. His claim has now been contradicted by both Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, raising questions about Islamabad’s role in the process.
A report by the Financial Times has further complicated Pakistan’s position, suggesting that Pakistan acted more as a conduit than a neutral mediator. According to the report, Washington relied on Islamabad to convey its ceasefire proposal to Tehran, positioning it as an intermediary rather than an independent broker.
Sharif, who was among the first to publicly float the idea of a two-week ceasefire, was reportedly overshadowed by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, who held key discussions with senior US officials, including Vance and Trump, as well as envoy Steve Witkoff.
The situation was further complicated by a social media misstep from Sharif, who inadvertently posted a message containing the subject line “draft — Pakistan’s PM message on X,” exposing internal communication and fuelling criticism over his handling of the situation.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Lebanon, which has declared a day of mourning following a wave of Israeli strikes that reportedly killed over 250 people in a single day. Despite supporting a pause in strikes on Iran, Netanyahu has reiterated that Israeli operations in southern Lebanon will continue, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, reaffirmed that Tel Aviv’s objective remains the removal of Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon, underscoring the fragile and volatile nature of the ceasefire.
