Live Updates: Iran says "no tangible progress" made in talks as Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that negotiations to end the Middle East conflict have yielded no tangible progress. He emphasized that lines of communication with the U.S. remain open but cautioned that an Israeli attack on Beirut could trigger a full-scale resumption of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. Meanwhile, Hezbollah rejected a proposed ceasefire agreement with Israel and Lebanon, which includes the creation of pilot security zones in southern Lebanon where Hezbollah forces would be excluded. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on Thursday that the Lebanese army would begin deploying in these pilot zones, marking a practical step toward implementing the ceasefire. The deployment follows a joint statement by Israel and Lebanon, which agreed to establish these zones where Lebanese military forces would take exclusive control. Salam clarified that this move does not compromise Lebanon’s demand for a full Israeli withdrawal but brings them closer to that goal. The Lebanese presidency condemned the killing of a UN peacekeeper in shelling near Marjayoun on Wednesday. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that a Serbian peacekeeper died and two others were injured after mortar fire struck their base. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the attack as further evidence of regional instability, stressing the UN’s commitment to security and peace. Separately, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed a strike on Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, which killed one person and wounded dozens, was caused by a malfunctioning U.S. Patriot missile. IRGC spokesperson Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebbi denied Iranian involvement, stating the incident resulted from a failed interception system. The U.S. Central Command dismissed the claim, asserting that Iran deliberately attacked the airport with drones. The escalating tensions highlight the fragile ceasefire efforts and the ongoing risks of broader regional conflict. Hezbollah’s rejection of the truce and Iran’s denial of responsibility for the Kuwait attack add layers of complexity to diplomatic resolutions.