Iran's Revolutionary Guard Demands Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon

Members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during military training near Tehran, Iran. [Photo=EPA·Yonhap]

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani has called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. This demand comes shortly after a U.S.-brokered agreement was proposed, with Iran publicly pressuring for the Israeli withdrawal as a key condition.
On June 4, Qaani stated, "The minimum requirement of the Lebanese resistance front is for Israel to retreat to its pre-war positions." The term "Lebanese resistance front" refers to the Iran-aligned militant group Hezbollah.
Qaani asserted that Lebanon and Hezbollah have the right to determine any agreements on their own, emphasizing that the withdrawal of Israeli forces should be the starting point for any negotiations.
His remarks were made amid discussions between the Israeli and Lebanese governments regarding a ceasefire implementation, facilitated by the United States. The proposed agreement hinges on a complete cessation of hostilities by Hezbollah and the exclusive control of certain areas in southern Lebanon by the Lebanese military.
However, the positions of the key parties remain divided. Hezbollah has expressed opposition to the agreement, stating it was not directly involved in the negotiations, while Israel has indicated it will not accept demands for a withdrawal from southern Lebanon or a halt to military operations.
Qaani's comments highlight that the central issue in the discussions surrounding the Lebanese ceasefire is the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The U.S. aims to reduce tensions on the Lebanese front ahead of peace negotiations with Iran, but disagreements over the withdrawal issue leave the implementation of any agreement uncertain.

* This article has been translated by AI.

AJP