Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers, 

The US-Iran agreement faced its first major test as Iran warned of retaliation over continued Israeli operations in Lebanon and President Donald Trump publicly criticised Israel's conduct.

While Washington and Tehran continued to advance implementation of the accord, Israeli leaders signalled they would maintain military operations and positions in southern Lebanon, raising questions about the deal's long-term durability.

Iran's army said Israel had violated the Lebanon ceasefire dozens of times since the US-Iran agreement was announced and warned of a "harsh response" if attacks continue.

President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must be "more responsible" regarding Lebanon and expressed dissatisfaction with Israel's ongoing military campaign.

Netanyahu said Israeli troops would continue to occupy areas of southern Lebanon despite the US-Iran agreement.

Israeli Minister Zeev Elkin said Israel was not a party to the negotiations with Iran and therefore could not demand access to the memorandum of understanding, adding that proposals linked to an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon were rejected by Netanyahu.

Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that Israeli officials believe the US-Iran agreement may not endure and that security agencies have been instructed to continue expanding target lists.

Vice President JD Vance said the US-Iran agreement had fundamentally changed the Middle East and reiterated support for its implementation.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi briefed parliament on the agreement ahead of planned talks in Geneva.

Two Iranian supertankers reportedly exited the former US blockade zone as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued to recover.

G7 leaders voiced support for the agreement, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying the accord must hold to preserve regional stability.

Pope Leo welcomed the agreement, saying diplomacy remained preferable to a return to war.

Israeli air strikes and shelling were reported in southern Lebanon, underscoring the gap between the broader US-Iran understanding and conditions on the ground.