US Seeks to Consolidate Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

The United States is continuing its diplomatic efforts to consolidate the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in a phone call that Washington was building on agreements reached during negotiations in Switzerland.

One of the main topics is the creation of a mechanism to monitor compliance with the ceasefire and help prevent further armed incidents.

The remarks came as another round of talks between representatives of Lebanon and Israel began in Washington. Rubio also stressed that the United States would communicate directly with the Lebanese government.

According to the US secretary of state, a lasting end to hostilities in the region cannot be achieved as long as Iranian-backed groups continue their rocket attacks. He added that Iran’s influence and that of its allies would be part of further negotiations on security in the Middle East.

(Reuters, mja)