Iran foreign ministry says ceasefire in Lebanon remains condition for US deal

Iran's foreign ministry said on Monday that a ceasefire in Lebanon remains a key condition for a deal with the United States.

"We insist that a ceasefire in Lebanon is an essential condition for any deal aimed at ending the war," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a weekly press briefing, as Israel expands its offensive in Lebanon.

In Lebanon, fierce fighting continued, with Beirut accusing Israel of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy" as it expands operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

A truce between Israel and Hezbollah formally began on April 17 but it has never been observed, with both sides accusing each other of violating it.

An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed eight people on Sunday, including three women, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Monday on the widening Israeli offensive following its capture of the strategic medieval castle of Beaufort, diplomatic sources told AFP.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the retaking of Beaufort "a dramatic shift."