Israel strikes Lebanon hours after ceasefire takes effect, Iran cancels US nuclear talks and blames Washington
Israeli forces attacked over 80 targets in southern Lebanon hours after a ceasefire with Hezbollah came into force, and Iran responded by indefinitely postponing nuclear negotiations with the United States in Switzerland, demanding guarantees that hostilities cease.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah brokered by the United States and Qatar with Iranian help took effect at 16:00 local time on 19 June. Hours later, the Israeli military struck more than 80 targets in the Nabatieh area and other parts of southern Lebanon, claiming it was responding to Hezbollah violations. The IDF said it eliminated dozens of Hezbollah operatives and two fighters fleeing on a motorcycle after launching rockets at Israeli troops. Lebanese state media also reported a new raid on the town of Sejoud and heavy artillery fire near Nabatiyeh.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Ismaeil Baghaei condemned the Israeli operations as "terrorist acts" and warned of immediate consequences, holding the United States directly responsible for violating the peace memorandum signed on 17 June. The same day, US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Bürgenstock, Switzerland, were postponed indefinitely. According to the Financial Times, Iran did not send a delegation because of the Israeli airstrikes, and a diplomat said Tehran had requested guarantees that the Lebanon ceasefire be upheld. Two sources told the FT that talks had been tentatively rescheduled for Monday, but confirmation depended on the situation in Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump expressed frustration at Israel's insistence on continuing its offensive, the FT noted. An Iranian position described as "no Lebanon, no deal" was conveyed by a source, who said Iran believed it held the upper hand and could extract concessions from Washington over Israel's war. The Swiss government stated it remains ready to facilitate dialogue.
