US to Lebanon: No more diplomatic opportunities available

On September 21, just prior to a significant Israeli strike on Lebanon, acting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received a stark message from the United States.

“The gates of diplomacy have closed. There is no more opportunity for negotiations,” the message stated, Caliber.Az reports via Lebanese media.

Following this, the US reached out to Mikati to convey that they could no longer exert control over Israel, stating, “Nothing can be done.”

As the Israeli operation commenced, the US, along with France and Arab nations, began pressuring Lebanon to compel Hezbollah to withdraw its support for Hamas. Reports suggest that this amounted to an Israeli ultimatum, indicating that if Hezbollah did not comply, Israel would act without restraint.

Meanwhile, Turkish and Qatari mediators arrived in Beirut on September 24 to propose their own initiative, which is expected to reference UN Security Council Resolution 1701, demanding Hezbollah's withdrawal from the Israeli border.

In a show of solidarity, Iran has voiced its support for Lebanon. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that the Islamic Republic would not remain passive amid the suffering of the Lebanese and Palestinians.

The ongoing conflict has seen at least 492 casualties due to extensive Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, marking the deadliest day in Lebanon in nearly two decades. Thousands have been displaced from their homes as the Israeli military reported striking 1,600 Hezbollah targets, aiming to dismantle infrastructure established since the 2006 war.

In retaliation, Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets into northern Israel, resulting in two injuries from shrapnel, according to paramedics.

By Tamilla Hasanova