There is deep concern in Washington of a potential collapse of the ceasefire even before negotiations begin in Islamabad to iron out the fine details. That is because of a statement from Vice President Vance that the Iranians thought the ceasefire included Lebanon.
– There is alarm over Vance’s statement because it appears that the ceasefire is very narrow. It is incomplete and very vulnerable.
– And the big concern, particularly on Capitol Hill, is the division between the US and its ally Pakistan on what exactly was agreed to, given the fact that Pakistan said very clearly Lebanon was included in the ceasefire and the US is saying it was not.
– It has also caused international concern. A day after Trump met with NATO’s Mark Rutte, the US president is criticising NATO again. “None of these people, including our own, very disappointing, NATO, understood anything unless they have pressure placed upon them,” Trump said on Truth Social this morning.
– There is pressure on Capitol Hill right now to use its power to rein in the president. But Republicans on Capitol Hill are still insisting that Lebanon is a separate theatre.
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