UNIPA News JERUSALEM, June 19 — Israeli forces carried out extensive overnight strikes across southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said on Friday, as Hezbollah reported heavy clashes in the region, raising concerns over the implementation of a recently signed Iran-US agreement aimed at ending hostilities across multiple fronts.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that at least 16 people were killed in the Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military said operations in southern Lebanon were continuing.

The escalation has cast uncertainty over the newly signed Iran-US accord, which calls for an immediate cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and emphasizes respect for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israeli troops will remain in Lebanon until the threat posed by Hezbollah is eliminated. His position comes as Israel prepares for national elections later this year.

The renewed fighting also coincided with delays to planned negotiations in Switzerland between Iran and the United States on efforts to secure a permanent settlement following the recent conflict.

US Vice President JD Vance postponed a scheduled trip to Switzerland, where he was expected to lead the American delegation. The White House attributed the delay to logistical reasons.

However, the postponement followed reports that Iran was delaying the dispatch of its delegation due to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon.

The initial Iran-US agreement was signed on Wednesday by US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. According to officials, the accord took effect immediately and was intended to halt military confrontations linked to the recent regional conflict.

Following the signing ceremony, Vance underscored Washington’s support for Israel while urging caution regarding developments that could jeopardize the broader diplomatic process.