An Iranian minister has told the BBC that Israeli strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday constituted a grave violation of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that Lebanon was included in the two-week deal agreed on Tuesday, a point disputed by the US and Israel, and declared that the US must choose between war and ceasefire. The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 203 people were killed in the Israeli airstrikes, targeting what Israel identified as Hezbollah command centers.
When questioned if Tehran would pressure Hezbollah to cease its rocket fire towards Israel, Khatibzadeh defended the Iranian-backed militant group, asserting it had abided by the ceasefire.
Hezbollah responded to the airstrikes by attacking Israel and vowed to maintain its operations until what it described as 'Israeli-American aggression' subsides.
Khatibzadeh emphasized that the Iranian government sent a clear message to Washington: the expectation to uphold a ceasefire while allowing military operations is unacceptable.
As ongoing violence raises alarms, both the US and Iran engage in a delicate dance of diplomacy amid fears of further escalation. The future of the ceasefire remains uncertain as tensions persist in the region.
When questioned if Tehran would pressure Hezbollah to cease its rocket fire towards Israel, Khatibzadeh defended the Iranian-backed militant group, asserting it had abided by the ceasefire.
Hezbollah responded to the airstrikes by attacking Israel and vowed to maintain its operations until what it described as 'Israeli-American aggression' subsides.
Khatibzadeh emphasized that the Iranian government sent a clear message to Washington: the expectation to uphold a ceasefire while allowing military operations is unacceptable.
As ongoing violence raises alarms, both the US and Iran engage in a delicate dance of diplomacy amid fears of further escalation. The future of the ceasefire remains uncertain as tensions persist in the region.
