Naim Qassem, the leader of the Shia Hezbollah movement in Lebanon, strongly criticized the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement signed in Washington. Qassem stated that the US-brokered deal amounts to a 'loss of sovereignty' and has no binding force.
Qassem's remarks came immediately after the parties signed a framework agreement in Washington aimed at resolving the conflict.
Debate over red lines
The Hezbollah leader specifically highlighted the clause linking the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers to the disarmament of Hezbollah. Qassem described this provision as 'an extremely dangerous proposal that crosses all red lines.'
Regional context
The agreement emerged as part of a broader diplomatic process ongoing in the region. Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding via remote communication on the night of June 18. That document envisions ending the military conflict that began on February 28.
The memorandum also sets a timeline for the US to lift the naval blockade and for Iran to restore normal maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.