Following a stern warning from the United States, Israel and Hezbollah have finally agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon. The truce between the two sides took effect on Friday (June 19), according to a Reuters report citing a US official.

US Vice President JD Vance issued a sharp message to the Israeli government to accept an Iran-related memorandum of understanding signed by US President Donald Trump.

He also reminded Israel that the United States remains its most powerful and reliable ally as the country becomes increasingly isolated on the international stage.

Israel was essentially forced to agree to the ceasefire following Washington's rigid stance.

Confirming the ceasefire at around 4:00 PM local time in Lebanon, the US official stated that it went into effect starting from that hour.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the official noted that while both sides engaged in intense clashes earlier in the day, they subsequently agreed to the truce. US and Qatari mediators, with assistance from Iran, reached this agreement.

However, Israel launched devastating airstrikes across Lebanon throughout Thursday (June 18) night, right up until the ceasefire took effect.

Following these attacks, pre-scheduled US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland were postponed on Friday.

The suspension of these talks has renewed uncertainty over reopening the Strait of Hormuz—a highly critical and sensitive corridor for global trade.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that the latest Israeli attacks killed at least 47 people and wounded many others, describing it as one of the most devastating assaults of the ongoing war.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strikes targeted Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and associated operatives.

On the other hand, four Israeli soldiers were also killed in direct clashes with Hezbollah during this period. This bloody conflict erupted right after the US-Iran memorandum called for a cessation of hostilities on all fronts.

A senior Hezbollah lawmaker stated that Iran has made it clear that no further talks with the US can proceed without ensuring a full ceasefire.

Conversely, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry declined to comment directly on the meeting but held the US directly responsible for the Israeli attacks in Lebanon. He also warned that Tehran would take all necessary measures to protect its interests.

Meanwhile, the Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed that the high-level US-Iran talks, which were set to take place at the Bürgenstock mountain resort in Switzerland, have been "postponed" for now.

However, they noted that all preparatory work for future discussions remains ongoing.

According to the British broadcaster BBC, the primary objective of these talks was to implement the memorandum of understanding between the two nations and initiate formal negotiations on long-term issues, including Iran's nuclear program.

The 14-point agreement includes provisions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, the creation of a special fund for the country's reconstruction, and the lifting of US sanctions.

Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stated that despite having "differing views" on various matters, he approved the agreement with the United States.

He noted that this was primarily driven by Donald Trump "exerting all kinds of pressure recklessly." He further mentioned that "direct talks" between Tehran and Washington would take place in the future, though he clarified that these talks do not mean accepting the "enemy's position."