Middle East Situation Changes on Two Fronts: Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. Reach Tripartite Framework Agreement; U.S. Military Conducts Late-Night Airstrike on Iran

On the 26th, U.S. President Trump accused Iran of launching attack drones at vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, violating the ceasefire agreement. Late that night, explosions were reported in the southern Iranian port city, and the U.S. military immediately confirmed strikes against Iran. The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has reignited.

On the same day, Lebanon, Israel, and the United States concluded a new round of negotiations in Washington and signed a trilateral framework agreement. The Lebanese president stated, "This is the first step towards restoring national sovereignty." A member of the Lebanese Hezbollah stated that Hezbollah rejects direct negotiations with the Israeli military and will resist any attempts to implement the "framework agreement." Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli military will remain in the southern "security zone" of Lebanon for a long time until Hezbollah is completely disarmed.

Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. reach a trilateral framework agreement

On the 26th local time, Lebanon, Israel, and the United States concluded a four-day new round of ceasefire and withdrawal negotiations in Washington and announced the achievement of a trilateral framework agreement.

Subsequently, an Israeli official disclosed the details of the agreement, stating that under the agreement, Israel will maintain its military presence in the "security zone" it unilaterally defined in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed. Within the entire "security zone," the Israel Defense Forces will retain the freedom of military operations and can take action at any time to eliminate various potential security threats.

Israeli Prime Minister insists on disarming Hezbollah

On the evening of the 26th local time, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a televised speech stating, that the Israeli military will maintain its presence in the southern "security zone" of Lebanon until Hezbollah is completely disarmed and the security threat to Israel is eliminated. Netanyahu claimed that the agreement is a significant achievement for Israel, "dealing a heavy blow to Iran."

Netanyahu revealed that according to the agreement and the recommendations of the Israel Defense Forces, Israel will allow the Lebanese government forces to enter two specific areas for pilot projects. One pilot area is completely outside the Israeli military's "security zone," south of the Litani River; the other pilot area is located north of the Litani River, involving an extension of the "security zone" that the Israeli military opened in the past two weeks and currently does not require stationed troops.

U.S. claims to establish a military coordination group to assist in implementing the agreement

On June 26 local time, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio issued a statement indicating that the agreement aims to restore Lebanese sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah, and dismantle its infrastructure, while ensuring that Israel can "return to its borders" after the threats are eliminated. According to the agreement, a "trilateral military coordination group" promoted by the U.S. will be established to assist both Lebanon and Israel in implementing the framework.

Rubio also stated that the U.S. Department of Defense will provide over $30 million in funding to support Lebanon in achieving lasting peace. Additionally, the U.S. will coordinate with the United Nations to provide $100 million in humanitarian aid.

Lebanese President: Reaching the framework agreement is the first step to restoring Lebanon's sovereignty

Lebanese President Aoun stated on the 26th that the trilateral framework agreement marks the first step for Lebanon to restore its complete national sovereignty, and is an important beginning to promote the return of displaced Lebanese people to their homes and rebuild their homes under the framework of national sovereignty, emphasizing that he will continue to push for substantial progress in related work.

Aoun emphasized that Lebanon absolutely does not accept any form of occupation, will not allow its citizens to continue to be detained, and will not accept dependence on other countries or any form of external interference.

Hezbollah rejects direct negotiations with the Israeli military

Reiterates it will not abandon its arms

According to Lebanese sources, on the 26th, Hezbollah member of parliament Hassan Fadlallah stated that Hezbollah rejects direct negotiations with the Israeli military, will resist any attempts to implement the "framework agreement," and emphasizes that Hezbollah will not abandon its arms.

Fadlallah stated that Hezbollah has clearly expressed its firm position against direct negotiations with Israel to the Lebanese government, and warned that initiating this political and security negotiation process would harm Lebanon's national sovereignty, exacerbate domestic divisions in Lebanon, and ultimately only serve Israel's interests.

Earlier that day, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that Hezbollah and its supporters are facing a "war of extermination." Qassem also stated that Israel has no choice but to completely and unconditionally withdraw from every inch of Lebanese land and stop all forms of aerial, land, and maritime aggression. Any commitment that harms Lebanon's sovereignty is unacceptable.

"Communication hotline" not established

Conflict in the Strait of Hormuz reignites

On the 26th local time, there were reports that "Iran and the U.S. have established a communication hotline regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue." Subsequently, the spokesperson for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Moghaddam, denied this claim, stating that the news is completely fabricated.

Later on the evening of the 26th, U.S. President Trump posted on social media, accusing Iran of launching attack drones at vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that Iran launched at least four one-way attack drones at vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, one of which hit the upper deck of a cargo ship. The U.S. military shot down the other three drones. He stated that this action by Iran "violates the ceasefire agreement."

Explosions reported in southern Iranian port city

U.S. military confirms strikes against Iran

Late on the night of the 26th local time, an Iranian military source reported explosions at the docks in the southern Iranian port city of Sirik.

The U.S. Central Command immediately issued a statement on social media confirming strikes against Iran, stating, "This is a response to the attack on a Singapore-flagged cargo ship that passed through the Strait of Hormuz the previous day." The statement indicated that U.S. aircraft targeted Iran's missile and drone storage facilities as well as coastal radar stations.

This is the first U.S. attack on Iran since the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran.

Singapore: Previously attacked cargo ship suffered minor damage and continues its journey

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority issued a statement on the 26th saying that the Singapore-flagged container cargo ship that was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on the 25th suffered minor damage, and all 21 crew members are safe.

The statement noted that the cargo ship named "Changyue" was hit in the bridge area by an unidentified projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz. The ship has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is continuing its journey.

Reporters: Zhao Bing, Cao Jian, Wei Ran, Yang Yuan