TEL AVIV/DUBAI: Israel's defense minister said on June 24 that Israeli troops will stay in southern Lebanon, creating a challenge for ongoing Iran-U.S. peace talks. His statement came as the top U.S. diplomat is visiting the Middle East to gain support for a proposed deal that some allies doubt.

Last week, the United States and Iran signed an initial agreement to end a war that has disrupted the Middle East and affected global economies, especially after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies.

However, there are disagreements about parts of the deal. These include financial benefits for Iran, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel's ongoing war in Lebanon. These disputes have made the agreement seem weak and uncertain, and have led to criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump both at home and in the Middle East.

Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have said many times that they will not withdraw troops from southern Lebanon. They say they have set up a security zone there to protect people living in northern Israel.

Katz said the Israeli army is ready and will not retreat, adding that there has been no pressure from the U.S. for Israel to leave Lebanon.

His comments came while Lebanon and Israel are discussing a U.S.-supported plan in Washington. The proposal suggests that Israel should withdraw from some areas it captured and hand control to the Lebanese army.

Israel has been fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon since early March, after the group attacked Israel in support of Iran. Iran has made ending the fighting in Lebanon a key condition in any peace agreement with the U.S.

Iran's parliament speaker said a ceasefire in Lebanon is just as important as one in Iran, and ending both conflicts is equally necessary.

On June 24, an Israeli drone strike hit a car in southern Lebanon, killing at least two people, according to Lebanese sources. The Israeli military said it was checking the reports, but earlier mentioned striking two armed Hezbollah fighters near an Israeli-controlled area.

In the U.S., the Senate passed a resolution asking President Trump to stop military action against Iran.

Many Middle Eastern countries are skeptical about the proposed peace deal. Some believe it is too favorable to Iran, especially because it includes a $300 billion fund and the easing of some sanctions.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting countries in the region to address these concerns. He met leaders in the United Arab Emirates and is also traveling to Kuwait and Bahrain, both of which host U.S. military bases and were hit by Iranian missile attacks during the war.

Iran rejected claims by Trump that it had agreed to unlimited nuclear inspections. An Iranian official said there were no plans to allow access to nuclear sites that had been attacked.

Meanwhile, shipping has resumed through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a drop in oil prices. Still, discussions continue among Iran, Oman, and other Middle East countries about how the waterway will be managed in the future.

Qatar's prime minister met officials in Oman to begin talks on this issue. Middle East countries are expected to push for no transit fees, while Iran may propose fees related to environmental, navigation, and security costs.