Israel-Lebanon talks move to Rome as Hormuz escalation weighs on diplomacy

New rounds of Israel-Lebanon talks are scheduled for July 14-15 in Rome, following a 14-point agreement signed in Washington on June 26. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized Italy's central role in Middle East peace efforts, stating, "It is important to continue working so that a genuine ceasefire can be achieved and, ultimately, peace can be reached in Lebanon." The negotiations, at ambassadorial level, aim to consolidate the ceasefire and address border security. However, renewed tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz are complicating diplomatic efforts, threatening to merge the Lebanese dossier with broader regional competition. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to meet US President Donald Trump on July 21 but has ruled out meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while Israeli attacks persist.