The United States Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, declared Monday that negotiations between Israel and Lebanon have reached a “point of no return,” signaling growing optimism that diplomatic efforts could produce a lasting arrangement along the northern border.

Speaking after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Issa said progress in the talks has been encouraging and praised the Lebanese negotiating team.

“We have reached a point of no return,” Issa said. “It is very important for an official to choose what he wants and move forward with it, especially if it is the only choice to end a painful and harsh situation like the one Lebanon is experiencing.”

Issa also commended Lebanese negotiators for what he described as their professionalism and effectiveness.

“The members of the team speak clearly and frankly on the Lebanese file,” he said.

The ambassador’s remarks come a day after President Trump intervened to prevent further escalation between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah.

According to reports, Trump urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to limit Israeli strikes in Lebanon after Iranian officials conditioned a ceasefire on an end to Israeli operations against Hezbollah.

“What happened yesterday was a political message,” Issa said. “In the United States, we decided that the confrontation should not expand further.”

Both Israel and Iran ultimately agreed to halt attacks, with Netanyahu announcing Monday morning that “the fire has been halted.”

At the same time, Netanyahu stressed that Israel retains complete freedom of action against Hezbollah and will continue striking terrorist targets in Lebanon — including in Beirut — if attacks against northern Israel resume.

Although Lebanon’s government agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework earlier this month, Hezbollah has publicly rejected the arrangement.

Nevertheless, Lebanese officials continue pushing for a diplomatic resolution.

“We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you? If you are, let’s sit and talk,” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday in an interview with CNN.

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