REPORTAGE: Are we going to wage war all our lives?: after the failure of negotiations between Washington and Tehran

Several Lebanese people are concerned about the direction of the discussions between the United States and Iran, with possible consequences for upcoming negotiations between Israel and Beirut.

The Pakistanis urge the United States and Iranians to respect their commitment to the ceasefire despite the failure of the negotiations. According to American Vice President J.D. Vance, the Iranians have refused to accept the conditions of the United States, including “a clear commitment on their part that they will not seek to acquire nuclear weapons”. What consequences does this failure have on the other front in Lebanon? Are the negotiations that will take place next week in Washington between Israel and Beirut at risk?

On the Beirut corniche, Ahmad, with a cane in hand, was still pessimistic. “Honestly, I expected this failure and it worries me that the war will continue,” he admits. And that Beirut, spared for a few days, may once again be subjected to Israeli fire. His concern also turns to next week: he fears that the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon may be at risk. “I think it will be canceled because Israeli demands are too demanding.”

With a few small fish in his white bucket, Moustapha leaves satisfied with his day’s catch. But he is more confident, seeing in these tensions a classic diplomatic power play. “It will work again,” he predicts. “Both have not intended to fight.”

“Each sets the bar high with their demands, only to end up getting what they want.”

Moustapha, resident of Beirut

via franceinfo

Hachem fears a new escalation. “It’s bad! We always hope to reach the end of negotiations, not only between Americans and Iranians but also for the Lebanese in Washington,” he says. “Why is Israel bombing municipalities, schools? They are an enemy, but it has to stop! Are we going to make war all our lives?”

Everyone in Beirut remains suspended on the next diplomatic developments.