Berri says phased , 60 - day Israel pullout mentioned in Iran - US deal

What Happened

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri revealed that a phased, 60-day Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon is mentioned in the latest peace deal between Iran and the U.S., whose details are yet to be officially disclosed. Berri rejected U.S.-proposed 'pilot zones'—areas from which Israel would withdraw its forces to be replaced by Lebanese troops who would clear the area of any weapons belonging to nonstate actors—stating, 'Lebanon consists of 24 districts, not 24 pilot zones.' Asked about implementation guarantees, Berri said the agreement 'is bigger than Lebanon' and that U.S. President Donald Trump has taken it upon himself to ensure its implementation, contrasting it with the 2024 agreement that he claimed was flouted.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Berri's disclosure signals a potential new diplomatic track involving Iran and the U.S. that could reshape security dynamics in south Lebanon, circumventing the stalled November 2024 ceasefire framework. His rejection of pilot zones reflects Lebanese political opposition to incremental arrangements that fragment national sovereignty, while invoking Trump's personal guarantee introduces a novel enforcement mechanism distinct from UNSCR 1701 or prior agreements. The remarks also highlight Iran's direct role in negotiations over Lebanon's territory, which may complicate Hezbollah's position and intra-Lebanese consensus.

Watch For

Official release of the Iran-U.S. deal details; Israel's official response or any changes to its military posture along the border; reactions from Hezbollah, the Lebanese Armed Forces, and UNIFIL to the phased withdrawal and pilot zone concept; statements from Saudi Arabia and other regional mediators; any parliamentary or cabinet discussions in Lebanon regarding the deal's terms.