Tehran cited Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon, which included the heaviest strikes of the war on Wednesday, as a key sticking point. "The negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon," he said. Israel was preparing to scale down its attacks in Lebanon, a senior Israeli official said on Thursday. Another Israeli official said talks with Lebanon were expected to begin in Washington next week. A U.S. State Department official confirmed the U.S. would host next week's meeting to "discuss ongoing ceasefire negotiations."

Source: Irish Independent April 10, 2026 17:14 UTC