Qatari mediators travel to Tehran to finalize truce, diplomat says

Protests erupted in Mashhad, Iran, against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi following his comments on a potential peace deal with the U.S. that could lift the naval blockade on Iranian ports. Demonstrators, particularly hardliners, criticized the deal, fearing it would weaken Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Lebanon as Israeli airstrikes targeted areas in response to Hezbollah’s rocket launches, a group aligned with Iran. The conflict in Lebanon, involving Israeli and Hezbollah forces, underscores the broader regional tensions as the U.S. and Iran near a peace agreement that might also impact Lebanon. The situation remains volatile, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations. QUESTION: How might the potential peace deal between the U.S. and Iran influence the balance of power in the Middle East, and what could be the consequences for countries like Lebanon?