Meanwhile, in Washington, US lawmakers are set to grill Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the conduct and costs of the Iran war
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BRUSSELS / WASHINGTON / BEIRUT: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stressed that the fragile ceasefire in Iran and Lebanon must be preserved through sustained diplomatic engagement, warning that continued instability risks deepening the regional crisis and its global economic fallout.
She underlined that the ongoing conflict—linked to the broader Iran war and hostilities involving Israel and Hezbollah—has already caused severe humanitarian and energy shocks, urging all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over escalation.
Meanwhile, in Washington, US lawmakers are set to grill Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the conduct and costs of the Iran war. He is scheduled to testify before Congress amid growing criticism of the conflict, including concerns over military spending, civilian casualties, and the lack of congressional authorization for the war.
Despite a nominal ceasefire, tensions remain high on the ground. Israeli forces have continued military operations in southern Lebanon, including strikes on towns and warnings for evacuations, while intercepting drones allegedly launched by Hezbollah.
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, initially brokered in mid-April as part of wider diplomatic efforts tied to the Iran conflict, has been repeatedly tested by violations and mutual accusations.
Analysts warn that without coordinated international diplomacy, the truce risks collapsing, potentially reigniting full-scale conflict across multiple fronts in the Middle East.
