🚫 Hezbollah rejected the framework outright. Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem accused the Lebanese government of surrendering sovereignty, argued that Israel's withdrawal should not be linked to Hezbollah's disarmament, warned the agreement could legitimize a prolonged Israeli presence or future annexation of disputed territory, called for implementation of the Iranian-American memorandum instead, and declared Hezbollah would not leave the battlefield.
🔥 The agreement immediately generated domestic tensions inside Lebanon. Pro-Hezbollah demonstrations erupted in Beirut, with protesters denouncing the framework, blocking major roads including routes to Beirut International Airport, waving Hezbollah and Iranian flags, and setting fires. Lebanese security forces deployed and used tear gas to disperse crowds.
🏛️ Israeli political leaders offered differing assessments. Naftali Bennett said the agreement should ultimately be judged by whether northern communities can safely rebuild before Hezbollah recovers. Itamar Ben Gvir opposed the framework, arguing only continued IDF operations can eliminate Hezbollah, while Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the agreement as reflecting Israel's strengthened regional position and continued operational legitimacy. Journalist Amit Segal described it as the political framework many believed necessary to conclude the war but noted that Hezbollah's actual disarmament remains the decisive test.
🤝 Washington reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the agreement. President Donald Trump congratulated Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and pledged continued support for Lebanon's sovereignty, economy, legitimate security forces, and extension of state authority throughout the country. Aoun reaffirmed that the Lebanese government and army will assume responsibility as Israeli withdrawals proceed while urging the United States to ensure full implementation, including Israeli withdrawals where required.
✈️ Military tensions between the United States and Iran nevertheless continued. CENTCOM confirmed limited retaliatory strikes against Iranian missile and drone infrastructure following the previous day's maritime attack, with U.S. officials describing the operation as measured retaliation rather than a return to broad combat. Vice President JD Vance warned that further violence would be answered militarily. The IRGC claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. positions, accused Washington of violating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, asserted authority over Strait of Hormuz passage arrangements, and denied reports of any direct communication channel with the United States.
⚓ Security concerns also persisted across the Gulf. A tanker in the Strait of Hormuz sustained bridge damage after being struck by an unidentified projectile, while U.S. officials said an Iranian drone struck another tanker carrying approximately two million barrels of crude oil and two additional drones targeting commercial shipping were intercepted. Bahrain condemned an Iranian drone attack as a violation of its sovereignty and of Iran's commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, cited UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), and called on the Security Council to enforce the resolution and hold Iran accountable.
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