"I think the Iranians assumed the ceasefire agreement included the Lebanon issue, but that is not the case. We never promised that", US Vice President JD Vance stated before departing Hungary on 8/4.

Vance added that if Iran allows talks with the US to collapse over the Lebanon issue, which he believes is unrelated to Tehran and Washington and was never included in the agreement, "that is their own choice". He warned Tehran to uphold its promise to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for oil tankers. "Frankly, if they break the agreement, they will face serious consequences", he said.

US Vice President JD Vance speaks to reporters at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport before boarding his plane to depart Hungary on 8/4. Photo: AFP

After the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire agreement on the morning of 8/4, Israel launched "its largest coordinated attack since the start of the conflict" across Lebanon. They stated this was part of a new operation called Eternal Darkness, targeting Hezbollah command and control centers in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as in Beirut. At least 254 people were killed and over 1,165 injured in Lebanon due to Israel's new wave of attacks, according to Al Jazeera.

Iran criticized Israel's actions as a violation of the temporary ceasefire agreement. On 9/4, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that shipping operations through Hormuz had been suspended after Israel attacked Lebanon. Previously, three oil tankers, including two Iranian and one Chinese vessel, had passed through the strait.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also accused the US of breaking commitments between the two countries by not preventing attacks on Lebanon, violating Iranian airspace, and denying Tehran's right to enrich uranium.

Vance criticized Ghalibaf's accusations as "absurd". He acknowledged that "ceasefire agreements are always complex", but stated that the US is complying and negotiations are ongoing. The US Vice President said the Israeli side had offered to restrain its actions. "The Israelis actually offered to exercise some restraint in Lebanon because they want to ensure our negotiations succeed", he said.

Thanh Tam (AFP, Al Jazeera, CNN)