Full story
Withdrawal talks and demands
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said a meeting between Iranian and Russian officials held in Moscow on Monday affirmed the importance of strict adherence to agreements concluded between Iran and the United States, including those related to Lebanon.
“Tuesday, 23/06/2026 ArEnFrEs [](http://almanar”
The statement, as quoted by Sputnik News Agency, said officials from Russia and Iran, during consultations held in Moscow today, called for the necessity of all parties committing to the agreements reached between Tehran and Washington aimed at ending military confrontations in the region.
It stated that the Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexander Kinshak, and the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Mehdi Shushtari, stressed the need for the swift withdrawal of "Israeli" forces from Lebanese territory within the framework of implementing the understanding agreement reached between Iran and the United States.
ISNA News Agency likewise said the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Monday evening stating: "Iran and Russia stressed the need for the rapid withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory."
Hezbollah rejects ceasefire terms
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected any ceasefire granting Israel "free rein" to carry out attacks in Lebanon, insisting that a complete cessation of aggression and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied southern territory are essential conditions for any agreement.
In a televised address, Qassem said: "They said a ceasefire means that Hezbollah will not fire, while Israel will remain free to act, to kill wherever it wants, and to advance wherever it wants."
Hezbollah also said there is no such thing as a ceasefire with freedom of movement for Israel, and that the continued presence of the Israeli army on Lebanese soil is impossible.
Yeni Şafak English reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday his forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, disregarding the US-Iran understanding on sovereignty, after Israeli forces launched over 200 strikes across Lebanon on Friday and Saturday.
Casualties and what’s at stake
Yeni Şafak English said Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported weekend strikes killed 105 and injured over 150, while Israeli attacks have killed more than 4,100 and injured over 12,000 since March 2.
“Hezbollah rejects 'free rein' for Israel in Lebanon ceasefire Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said on Sunday that the group will not accept any ceasefire granting Israel "free rein" to carry out attacks in Lebanon, stressing that a complete cessation of aggression and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied southern territory are essential conditions for any agreement”
It also said Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades, as the dispute over withdrawal and ceasefire terms remains unresolved.
In parallel, وكالة سبأ | West Asian reported that the Russian Foreign Ministry announced consultations between Russia and Iran to review implementing the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at ending military confrontations in the region.
ISNA News Agency added that Lebanon’s political-military delegation traveled to Washington to participate in the fifth round of direct negotiations with the Israeli regime, scheduled to take place from June 23 to 25, with security and political meetings at the United States Department of State headquarters.
