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French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the full respect of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, explicitly including its application to Lebanon, as the fragile truce entered its second day on Thursday. The statement came as Israeli forces launched a major bombardment of Lebanon, threatening to unravel the recently brokered agreement.

Mr. Macron's appeal followed discussions with top officials, including US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The truce, announced by President Trump on April 7, has been met with cautious optimism but also deep concern as violence continues in the region.

Coverage Comparison

Reports indicate that President Macron expressed his hope that the ceasefire will be observed by all belligerents across all areas of confrontation, highlighting Lebanon as a necessary condition for the deal's credibility and durability. This position is supported by multiple sources, including statements from the French presidency and coverage by France 24.

However, the situation on the ground is proving more complicated. Israel has reportedly informed the US that it does not consider itself bound by the agreement's terms regarding Lebanon. Furthermore, a separate report from TASS, citing an unnamed EU official who spoke to Politico, suggested that the Israeli strikes on Lebanon may have been deliberately aimed at derailing the truce between the US and Iran.

Key Claims

  • Fragile Truce Under Threat: The two-week mutual ceasefire between the US and Iran, announced by President Trump, is now facing a major test as violence flares in Lebanon.
  • Stalled Negotiations: The proposed 10-point plan, which includes principles such as non-aggression, Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, domestic uranium enrichment, and the lifting of sanctions, was reportedly viewed as a working basis for negotiations. However, a key Western official, as reported by a single outlet, stated that Tehran's negotiators were under the impression the agreement included Lebanon, a point the US disputes.
  • International Mediation: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited the parties to negotiate in Islamabad, with talks reportedly scheduled to begin on April 10.
  • Condemnation of Strikes: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the Israeli strikes across Lebanon, warning of the grave risk they pose to the ceasefire and the potential for a wider conflict.

Perspectives

The situation is drawing sharp reactions from multiple international actors concerned about the conflict expanding. The UN has issued a grave warning about the impact on civilians.

"The secretary-general unequivocally condemns the massive strikes by Israel across Lebanon on April 8 that resulted in hundreds of civilians being killed and injured," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN chief. "With the announcement of the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, the ongoing military activity in Lebanon poses a grave risk to the ceasefire and the efforts toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region."

Meanwhile, Iranian leaders have signaled that a ceasefire in Lebanon is a key condition of the 10-point plan. There is also concern that the conflict could be deliberately provoked to undermine the diplomatic track, with EU officials suggesting the situation in Lebanon has been predictable and under-addressed.