According to the article, U.S.and Iranian officials met in Switzerland to continue negotiations aimed at solidifying a tentative peace agreement between Washington and Tehran and bringing an end to the recent conflict between the two countries.

During an appearance on MSNBC's 'MS NOW,' former State Department policy director Richard Haas expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the talks succeeding in their current form.

Haas argued that a major unresolved issue threatens to undermine the negotiations: Israel's ongoing military operations and occupation in Lebanon.

He noted that the conflict in Lebanon has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries and has contributed to a significant humanitarian crisis affecting more than one million people.

According to Haas, the tentative agreement between the United States and Iran includes a provision calling for Israel to end its military activities in Lebanon.

The expert suggested that future negotiations could reach a critical point if Iran insists that Israel completely withdraw from Lebanon and refrain from returning.Haas described such a demand as a likely red line for Israel, creating a difficult dilemma for the United States.Washington could face pressure to either push Israel toward compliance or reject Iranian demands, either of which could strain the negotiations.Haas emphasized that the Lebanon issue has remained unresolved for decades and is unlikely to be settled easily.

He characterized it as one of several longstanding regional disputes that could complicate efforts to achieve a durable peace agreement between the United States and Iran.

The article also states that President Donald Trump has attempted to persuade Israel to reduce or halt its operations in Lebanon, but those efforts have reportedly been rejected by Israeli leadership.