Lebanese flag raised amid strike-hit rubble. Photo: Reuters
Jerusalem: Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday, June 19, to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-US talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a US official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the US and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
The ceasefire announcement came amid uncertainty over a new diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran. On Wednesday, June 17, US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining steps to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The agreement paved the way for a 60-day negotiating period aimed at resolving outstanding issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. Initial talks were scheduled to begin in Switzerland, where US Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the American delegation.
However, Iranian state-linked media reported that Tehran had suspended the negotiation framework and postponed the first round of talks, accusing Israel of violating the understanding through military strikes in southern Lebanon.
The reported suspension followed a surge in violence overnight. Lebanese authorities said at least 18 people were killed and 33 others wounded in Israeli air strikes across 11 towns, while Israel said it had targeted more than 80 Hezbollah-linked sites.
With inputs from Associated Press.
This post was last modified on June 19, 2026 7:25 pm