Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as U.S.-Iran deal is under threat

Israeli military strikes on southern Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, including two children, despite reports of a ceasefire agreement. The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah threatens a recent interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Middle East war. The strikes targeted the town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages, leaving several people trapped under rubble. Efforts by mediators, including Qatar, the U.S., and Iran, are underway to broker a ceasefire, but no official deal has been confirmed. The conflict began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel and Israel’s occupation of parts of southern Lebanon. The U.S.-Iran agreement, which reopened the Strait of Hormuz and aims to restart nuclear talks, is at risk as fighting continues, delaying planned U.S.-Iran discussions in Switzerland. QUESTION: How might the continuation of this conflict impact international relations and global economies?