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Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem on Wednesday hailed the US-Iran memorandum of understanding as a "great victory" and a "pivotal point for Lebanon," thanking Tehran for linking the Lebanese arena to the deal and for "forcing Israel to stop its aggression." The agreement, signed by the US, Iran, and mediator Pakistan, declares an "immediate and permanent" termination of military operations on "all fronts," including Lebanon, according to Deutsche Welle. However, the deal has sharpened political divisions in Lebanon, with Christian rivals and a growing number of public figures demanding that Hezbollah disarm and that the state assert its sovereignty.

Coverage comparison

Reporting on the aftermath of the US-Iran agreement varies by outlet. Deutsche Welle focused on the deal's geopolitical implications, quoting analyst James M. Dorsey of Singapore's Rajaratnam School of International Studies, who said the memorandum "virtually gives Iran everything it wanted" and "at least initially, it looks like a victory for Hezbollah." Al Jazeera provided context on Lebanon's political landscape, describing Hezbollah as the country's most prominent political movement and examining the role of the Amal Movement, led by Speaker Nabih Berri, as Hezbollah's key domestic ally.

The Jerusalem Post, whose coverage was more critical, highlighted opposition to Hezbollah and the agreement. It reported on the Lebanese Forces party's "Strong Republic" bloc, which stated that any US-Iran agreement is strictly bilateral and does not practically alter the situation on the ground in Lebanon. The bloc accused Tehran of providing Hezbollah with mere "lip service" to keep the organization fighting for Iranian interests. The Jerusalem Post also covered the "A Call to Save Lebanon" initiative, signed by more than 400 Lebanese public figures, advocating for Lebanese sovereignty in opposition to both Iranian interference and Israel's presence.

Key claims

The US-Iran agreement includes a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, and ensures the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon, according to multiple sources. However, its implementation remains uncertain, with talks between the US and Iran postponed after Iran objected to fighting in Lebanon, as reported by Deutsche Welle.

Hezbollah's Secretary-General Naim Qassem published a letter thanking Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf for his efforts to "compel Israel to immediately and permanently halt military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon." The letter, reported by the Jerusalem Post, was viewed as presumptive by Hezbollah's political rivals, who question Iran's ability to enforce an Israeli withdrawal.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has grown increasingly frustrated with Hezbollah and its backer, Iran, for dragging the country into another war with Israel. According to the Jerusalem Post, Aoun accused Iran of using Lebanon "for the sake of your [Iran's] own interest" in an interview with CNN, and there is mounting pressure on him to take a stronger stance.

The economic and social impact of the conflict has been significant. According to a Jerusalem Post report citing the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC), Hezbollah's decision to drag Lebanon into war has led its Shiite support base to look for ideological alternatives. The ITIC assessment noted that over 3,700 people were killed and nearly 900,000 displaced between October 8, 2023, and November 27, 2024, figures attributed to a single source.

The Forum of Shi'ite Lebanese, established in June 2025, has emerged as a potential alternative, advocating for returning the powers of security, war, and peace to the Lebanese state and strengthening the Lebanese army, while maintaining positive but not subordinate relations with Iran, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The Lebanese government has been trying to rein in Hezbollah and disarm it, but Iran's support for the group has made it difficult. The Lebanese Forces and the Kataeb Party have both called for dismantling all armed groups operating outside state control, first and foremost Hezbollah, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

The Amal Movement, led by Nabih Berri, has historically been Hezbollah's key domestic ally. Al Jazeera reported that while Amal is unlikely to abandon its close relations with Hezbollah, analyst Souhayb Jawhar of Badil suggested that if Hezbollah's role continues to decline, Amal's position could be strengthened in managing the relationship between the Shiite community and the Lebanese state.

Lebanese Shiite cleric Jaafarite Mufti Ahmad Qabalan, in comments reported by the Jerusalem Post, insisted that following the "Iranian victory" in the deal with the US, Lebanon must "change the government" and form a "strong partnership" with Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. He also said that President Aoun must withdraw from direct negotiations with Israel, which he claimed "lost the war of the century."

Perspectives

Hezbollah and its allies: Naim Qassem described the US-Iran memorandum as a "great victory" and thanked Iran for linking the Lebanese arena to the deal. Jaafarite Mufti Ahmad Qabalan called for a government change and a strong partnership with Hezbollah and Amal, viewing the agreement as an Iranian victory.

Lebanese Christian parties: The Lebanese Forces' "Strong Republic" bloc stated that the US-Iran agreement is a bilateral matter and does not change the situation in Lebanon, accusing Iran of giving Hezbollah "lip service." The Kataeb Party likewise emphasized the need to dismantle Hezbollah's armed forces to end Lebanon's cycle of wars.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun: Growing increasingly frustrated with Hezbollah and Iran, Aoun has accused Iran of using Lebanon for its own interests and faces pressure to act on Hezbollah's disarmament.

Lebanese public figures: More than 400 signatories of the "A Call to Save Lebanon" initiative advocate for Lebanese sovereignty, calling for an end to both Iranian interference and Israel's presence, and for state actors to hold arms exclusively.