Despite Trump's Mediation, the Lebanon 'Flashpoint' Remains... Netanyahu Maintains Airstrike Stance

Netanyahu Reiterates Stance on Possible Beirut Airstrikes

Iran Cuts Off Communication Over Israel's Southern Lebanon Offensive

Trump: "No Troops Will Be Heading to Beirut"

The Lebanon front has emerged as the biggest variable in the ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran. As Iran declared that it would cut off communication with the United States, citing Israel’s offensive in Lebanon, U.S. President Donald Trump intervened to de-escalate the situation by mediating a mutual cessation of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah. However, uncertainty surrounding the negotiations has increased after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again warned of the possibility of airstrikes on Beirut.

In 2024, black smoke rose from the southern suburbs of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, following an airstrike by the Israeli military. Photo by Yonhap News

On June 1 (local time), during a phone interview with NBC, President Trump commented on reports of Iran suspending negotiations, stating, "They have not informed us of such a decision." He added, "To be honest, we have had too many conversations," and said, "It could be very good to remain silent, and that state could last a long time." He further clarified, "That does not mean we will go there and start dropping bombs," drawing a clear line against expanding military responses.

President Trump also remarked on Iran's declaration of suspending negotiations, saying, "It is appropriate for them to say so," and "They are better at negotiating than fighting." Contrary to concerns, he interpreted this not as a breakdown of talks but as a pressure tactic within the negotiation process. Later, President Trump emphasized on his Truth Social account, "Negotiations with Iran are proceeding rapidly."

Nevertheless, the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel in the Lebanon region was reaffirmed as a potential trigger for the collapse of ceasefire negotiations. On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "If Hezbollah does not stop its attacks on our cities and citizens, Israel will target terrorist sites in Beirut."

Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed, "I conveyed this position to President Trump this evening," and added, "Our position has not changed." He further stated, "The Israeli military will continue operations in southern Lebanon as planned."

Earlier, President Trump claimed that he had productive phone calls with both Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Hezbollah side, stating, "Israel will not attack them (Hezbollah), and they will not attack Israel, either." The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon also announced that Hezbollah had accepted the U.S. proposal for a mutual cessation of attacks.

However, Israel has recently expanded its frontlines beyond previously controlled areas in southern Lebanon and has resumed airstrikes on Beirut that had been suspended during the ceasefire period. According to The New York Times, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders to residents in the southern Dahiyeh district of Beirut, prompting thousands to flee.

Throughout the ceasefire negotiations, Iran has consistently labeled Israel’s military actions as violations of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement. After news of Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon was reported on this day, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency stated that the Iranian negotiating team had suspended the exchange of messages with the United States regarding the ceasefire proposal.

Iran also warned that if Israel’s offensive in Lebanon continues, it may not only retaliate directly but also disrupt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for global oil shipments—and at the Bab el-Mandeb strait, the entrance to the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, international oil prices closed higher. July delivery West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose 5.5% from the previous trading day to $92.16 per barrel.

August delivery Brent crude on the ICE Futures Exchange rose 4.2% from the previous session to $94.98 per barrel. Brent crude surpassed $97 per barrel during intraday trading, but later pared back some gains after President Trump expressed his intent to continue negotiations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.