New Delhi, June 1 -- The latest US effort to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon has stalled as Israel widens its ground offensive and requests approval from Washington to carry out large-scale strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut.

Citing sources, Axios reported on Monday that for the past several weeks, Washington had discouraged Tel Aviv from striking Beirut as part of a broader effort to lower tensions. However, a US official has now hinted that the stance could soften and added, "The US does not expect Israel to absorb ongoing attacks on its civilians by a terrorist organization."

President Donald Trump's administration's de-escalation effort in Lebanon has been partially motivated by its desire to reach a deal with Iran, after Tehran l...