US cannot force Israel to stop strikes, says envoy during visit to Lebanon
Barrack was responding to calls from Lebanese officials who want the US to act as a guarantor to ensure that Israel halts strikes on Lebanese territory. Speaking after a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, he said: 'The US has no business in trying to compel Israel to do anything.'
Lebanon has asked the US to help secure a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and an end to Israeli airstrikes, in return for Hezbollah handing over its weapons.
Last month, the US proposed a four-month roadmap to Lebanese leaders, calling for Hezbollah to disarm fully. In exchange, Israel would stop strikes and pull its troops from disputed areas near the border.
Barrack made it clear that the US is not pressuring Lebanon to act. 'There's no consequence, there's no threat, there's no whip,' he said. He also stated that Washington was not considering sanctions against Lebanese officials if Hezbollah does not disarm.
Barrack, who also serves as US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, is a close adviser to President Donald Trump. This is his third trip to Lebanon in just over a month.
The US plan also includes wider reforms in Lebanon, such as disarming all non-state armed groups, improving the economy, and rebuilding relations with Syria.
Israel and Hezbollah fought a war last year that ended with a US-brokered ceasefire. It required both sides to stop fighting, for Israel to withdraw, and for Lebanon to be free of all weapons not held by the state, especially in the south.
While Hezbollah has handed over some weapons in that region, Israel says the group is still active and violating the ceasefire. Lebanon and Hezbollah argue that Israel has broken the deal by continuing to hold five positions on the Lebanese side of the border and by launching strikes on what it claims are Hezbollah targets.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
20 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei accused of sleeping, getting high all day in shocking Mossad report
What exactly did the Mossad-linked account claim? Live Events Why is this causing a stir inside and outside Iran? Is there credibility to these explosive accusations? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A shocking social media post linked to Israel's Mossad sparked international attention after making bold claims about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A social media account connected to Israel's national intelligence agency accused Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of sleeping and using drugs, causing global outrage. These explosive allegations come amid growing frustration within Iran over deteriorating living conditions and government contentious post, written in Farsi, mocks Khamenei while highlighting Iran's escalating domestic issues, which range from a lack of electricity to water shortages and civil unrest, as per a report by Fox Mossad's Farsi account posted on X on Friday, asking, "How can a leader lead when they sleep half the day and spend the other half high on substances?" the Mossad's Farsi account wrote Friday on X. "Water, electricity, life!""Consuming drugs and conversing with spirits are not desirable traits for someone leading a country,' the account the Israeli intelligence agency has not formally verified the account's affiliation, the post was made by a new X account with a premium subscription that was created last month and purported to be the official Mossad spokesperson in Farsi, Iran's official language, as per a report by Fox the past month, the account has posted multiple times regarding Khamenei's health and the situation in Iran, including the lack of electricity, clean water, and education."To everyone contacting us through private messages, for your own security, please ensure you are using a VPN," the bio for the account designation of the recently appointed, albeit unnamed, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the command center of the Iranian Armed Forces, was covered in a post on the account linked to Mossad claimed to already know the name and invited Iranians to submit their guesses after Iran refused to disclose the commander's identity for his protection, according to a report by Iran's semi-official news agency, Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as per a report by Fox response, the account advised the "lucky winner" who correctly identified Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi to "contact us privately to receive your prize."While the account's tone is unconventional, even sarcastic, analysts say the information it shares carries weight. Beny Sabti, a former IDF Persian-language officer and Iran researcher at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, said, 'Some of the details this account has posted could only have come from Mossad.'If proven credible, the claims could further tarnish Khamenei's image in a country already shaken by unrest, economic strain, and a widening generational account's aggressive claims and humorous jabs are not typical of the Mossad's public relations style, but two intelligence analysts informed Israeli news outlet JFeed that the odd Mossad-affiliated account seems has previously been suggested that Khamenei is a drug user; in 2022, an Iranian scholar claimed that the Iranian Supreme Leader frequently takes the time, Nour Mohamed Omara stated on a Turkish TV station connected to the Muslim Brotherhood, "Many viewers do not know this, but Khamenei himself uses drugs." "He has a special village in Balochistan, where the drugs used by the leader are produced," the scholar continued. "This village is run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and no one is allowed in."Drug use was openly deemed "un-Islamic" by the Ayatollah following the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Death is a possible punishment for drug-related Tehran has not released a formal statement regarding the allegations; however, Iranian state media has increased its criticism of Israel's online influence the meantime, the conversation surrounding Khamenei's alleged private behavior continues to to the account, Khamenei spends the majority of his time sleeping or using drugs, while Iranians struggle to meet their basic Israeli government has not confirmed it, but experts believe the information provided indicates authenticity.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei accused of sleeping, getting high all day in shocking Mossad report
A shocking social media post linked to Israel's Mossad sparked international attention after making bold claims about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A social media account connected to Israel's national intelligence agency accused Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of sleeping and using drugs, causing global outrage. These explosive allegations come amid growing frustration within Iran over deteriorating living conditions and government secrecy. The contentious post, written in Farsi, mocks Khamenei while highlighting Iran's escalating domestic issues, which range from a lack of electricity to water shortages and civil unrest, as per a report by Fox News. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category CXO Leadership healthcare MCA Operations Management Project Management MBA Digital Marketing Management Others Healthcare Data Analytics Degree Product Management PGDM Artificial Intelligence Technology Data Science Public Policy others Finance Design Thinking Cybersecurity Data Science Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details What exactly did the Mossad-linked account claim? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo The Mossad's Farsi account posted on X on Friday, asking, "How can a leader lead when they sleep half the day and spend the other half high on substances?" the Mossad's Farsi account wrote Friday on X. "Water, electricity, life!" "Consuming drugs and conversing with spirits are not desirable traits for someone leading a country,' the account stated. Live Events Although the Israeli intelligence agency has not formally verified the account's affiliation, the post was made by a new X account with a premium subscription that was created last month and purported to be the official Mossad spokesperson in Farsi, Iran's official language, as per a report by Fox News. Why is this causing a stir inside and outside Iran? Over the past month, the account has posted multiple times regarding Khamenei's health and the situation in Iran, including the lack of electricity, clean water, and education. "To everyone contacting us through private messages, for your own security, please ensure you are using a VPN," the bio for the account reads. The designation of the recently appointed, albeit unnamed, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the command center of the Iranian Armed Forces, was covered in a post on the account. The account linked to Mossad claimed to already know the name and invited Iranians to submit their guesses after Iran refused to disclose the commander's identity for his protection, according to a report by Iran's semi-official news agency, Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as per a report by Fox News. In response, the account advised the "lucky winner" who correctly identified Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi to "contact us privately to receive your prize." Is there credibility to these explosive accusations? While the account's tone is unconventional, even sarcastic, analysts say the information it shares carries weight. Beny Sabti, a former IDF Persian-language officer and Iran researcher at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, said, 'Some of the details this account has posted could only have come from Mossad.' If proven credible, the claims could further tarnish Khamenei's image in a country already shaken by unrest, economic strain, and a widening generational divide. ALSO READ: National chicken finger day: Here's how to get a free chicken finger this July 27 The account's aggressive claims and humorous jabs are not typical of the Mossad's public relations style, but two intelligence analysts informed Israeli news outlet JFeed that the odd Mossad-affiliated account seems genuine. It has previously been suggested that Khamenei is a drug user; in 2022, an Iranian scholar claimed that the Iranian Supreme Leader frequently takes drugs. At the time, Nour Mohamed Omara stated on a Turkish TV station connected to the Muslim Brotherhood, "Many viewers do not know this, but Khamenei himself uses drugs." "He has a special village in Balochistan, where the drugs used by the leader are produced," the scholar continued. "This village is run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and no one is allowed in." Drug use was openly deemed "un-Islamic" by the Ayatollah following the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Death is a possible punishment for drug-related offenses. Currently, Tehran has not released a formal statement regarding the allegations; however, Iranian state media has increased its criticism of Israel's online influence operations. In the meantime, the conversation surrounding Khamenei's alleged private behavior continues to trend. FAQs What allegations did Mossad's Farsi account make about Khamenei? According to the account, Khamenei spends the majority of his time sleeping or using drugs, while Iranians struggle to meet their basic needs. Is the Mossad-linked account verified as official? The Israeli government has not confirmed it, but experts believe the information provided indicates authenticity.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Explained: Donald Trump's landmark $1.35 trillion trade deal with EU before tariff deadline
In a significant breakthrough, President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the United States and the European Union have reached a comprehensive trade deal, just days before a 30 per cent tariff on European imports was due to take effect. U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a trade deal between the US and the EU.(REUTERS) After high-stakes negotiations in Scotland's Turnberry with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the two leaders revealed a new trade framework aimed at averting a full-blown transatlantic trade war. The deal, according to CNN, hailed by both sides as 'powerful' and 'historic', centers around new tariffs, large-scale energy purchases, and significant investment commitments. Also read: Donald Trump turns up to play golf amid protests against his Scotland trip What does the US-EU deal include? Under the terms of the agreement, the EU will purchase $750 billion worth of US energy, marking a massive expansion in transatlantic energy cooperation. Additionally, the 27-member bloc has committed to investing $600 billion more into the US than its current levels, stated another CNBC report. The report added that in exchange, Trump has agreed to impose a 15 per cent tariff on most European imports to the US, down from the 30 per cent rate he previously announced. The deal is expected to significantly ease trade tensions between the long-time allies. A CNBC report quoted Donald Trump declaring that this was a 'very big deal, biggest of all' as he stood alongside von der Leyen. Meanwhile, the European Commission chief, speaking after the meeting, acknowledged the difficulty of the talks and said, 'It is a good deal, it is a huge deal, with tough negotiations.' Donald Trump-EU deal impact The agreement was finalized just before the August 1 deadline, after which the Trump administration had vowed to raise tariffs on most EU goods from 10 per cent to 30 per cent. Earlier in the day, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had reaffirmed that Washington would not give further extensions, calling the deadline 'firm', reported CNN. Had the talks collapsed, Brussels was prepared to launch a major counter-tariff package targeting a wide range of US exports and invoke its new Anti-Coercion Instrument, a legislative mechanism designed to push back against economic pressure. Also read: Trump says US will work with Thailand and Cambodia, adds both 'want to settle' A fractured trade relationship The US-EU trade relationship is among the world's largest, valued at nearly $1.97 trillion in 2024, including both goods and services. While the EU ran a goods trade surplus, it faced a deficit in services, resulting in an overall $58.7 billion surplus with the US. Trump repeatedly criticized the imbalance and used it to justify tougher trade terms. 'The US and EU have one of the largest trade deficits,' he had said, defending the imposition of tariffs as leverage. FAQs What is the latest trade deal Trump announced? Trump and EU President Ursula von der Leyen finalized a deal where the EU will buy $750 billion in US energy and invest $600 billion more into the country in exchange for lower tariffs. Why was this deal considered urgent? It came just days before Trump was set to increase tariffs on European imports from 10 per cent to 30 per cent on August 1. What was at stake in the US–EU trade balance? The EU had a $58 billion overall surplus with the US in 2023, mainly due to goods exports, prompting Trump to demand fairer trade terms. What other trade deals has the Trump administration secured? The administration has renegotiated NAFTA (now USMCA), reached agreements with Japan and South Korea, and imposed tariffs on China during its broader trade overhaul. What is the proposed new tariff structure? Instead of the planned 30 per cent hike, the new deal imposes a 15 per cent across-the-board tariff on most EU imports. What are the key risks or criticisms? Critics argue the deal may strain diplomatic ties, shift costs to consumers, and provoke retaliation from other trading partners not offered similar terms.
