Adedokun Waliyu 
Deadly clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have placed the newly signed US-Iran peace agreement under immediate pressure, following the postponement of planned negotiations between the two countries in Switzerland.
The delay came as Iran’s chief negotiator declared that Tehran would not compromise on its “red lines” and warned that the country remained ready to respond forcefully to any provocation, even as shipping activity began to resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
The agreement, signed this week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, was designed to end the conflict that began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The accord was also intended to halt fighting in Lebanon, which Iran had insisted must be included in any peace arrangement. Continued Israeli military operations there have now become a major source of concern.
Israel’s military said it struck more than 80 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Friday and killed dozens of fighters in response to what it described as violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Lebanese authorities reported that 18 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, while Israel confirmed that four of its soldiers had also been killed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon for as long as necessary and vowed that Hezbollah would pay a heavy price for its attacks.
Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, also reacted strongly, saying that “all of Lebanon must burn” following the deaths of the Israeli soldiers.
France called on Israel to respect the peace agreement. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged all parties to honour the accord.
‘Two Spoilers’
Preparations had been made for US and Iranian delegations, led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, to begin talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock.
The discussions were expected to launch a two-month negotiation process focusing on unresolved issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear programme.
However, Switzerland confirmed that the talks had been postponed, although it said it remained ready to host the negotiations.
According to diplomatic sources, Israel’s military operations in Lebanon contributed to the postponement. A senior diplomatic source from the United Arab Emirates described Israel’s opposition to the agreement and resistance from hardliners within Iran as the “two spoilers” threatening the deal.
‘Crushing Response’
Ghalibaf reaffirmed that any negotiations with the United States would remain subject to Iran’s “red lines.”
He warned that if Iran’s opponents attempted to overstep those boundaries, the country was prepared to deliver a “crushing response.”
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance expressed unusual criticism of Israel, stating that military force alone could not resolve every national security challenge.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, also confirmed that he had approved the agreement despite holding reservations about it.
One of the key provisions of the agreement was the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Maritime tracking data showed that 25 commercial vessels passed through the strait on Thursday, the highest number recorded since mid-April, indicating that shipping activities are beginning to recover.
The US military also confirmed that it had lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports, although American warships would remain deployed in the region.
Under the agreement, the United States will immediately remove oil sanctions on Iran. Once a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme is reached, Washington will also facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund supported by regional countries.
