Soubhi Amhaz

Escalating US-Iran tensions have renewed Lebanese concerns that conflict could spill into southern Lebanon amid stalled implementation of the framework agreement with Israel and continued Israeli operations. Retired military officials say the escalation may reflect temporary pressure rather than a breakdown in negotiations, but warn that renewed war between Washington and Tehran would likely draw in Hezbollah. Lebanese dissatisfaction with negotiation outcomes and concerns over insufficient US guarantees have shaped Beirut’s approach ahead of upcoming Rome talks. Increased US diplomatic and military engagement, including assigning a general to oversee agreement implementation, signals Washington’s renewed focus on Lebanon. Analysts note that Hezbollah’s tougher posture aligns with Iranian strategy, suggesting major shifts depend on Tehran’s decisions.