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 covered by the two-week deal agreed on Tuesday - a point currently disputed by the US and Israel. He warned that the US must choose 'between war and ceasefire'.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 203 people were killed in the Israeli air strikes targeting what they described as Hezbollah command centers and military sites.
When questioned about whether Tehran would demand that Hezbollah cease firing rockets towards Israel, Khatibzadeh maintained that the Iranian-backed militant group had 'abided' by the ceasefire.
Hezbollah responded by stating it had fired at Israel overnight due to the alleged ceasefire violations and threatened to continue its attacks until the 'Israeli-American aggression' against Lebanon stops.
During an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today program, Khatibzadeh expressed that Tehran had sent a 'crystal clear' message to the White House, asserting that the US cannot expect to have a ceasefire while allowing attacks on its allies.
He remarked, 'You cannot ask for a ceasefire and then accept terms and conditions...then your ally just starts a massacre.' He further explained the recent violence, stating that Hezbollah operated within the bounds of the ceasefire agreement.
Khatibzadeh also addressed Iran’s positioning regarding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that Iran would 'provide security for safe passage' if US aggression ceased. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant number of fatalities in Lebanon, prompting fears about broader regional instability.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that Lebanon was covered by the two-week deal agreed on Tuesday - a point currently disputed by the US and Israel. He warned that the US must choose 'between war and ceasefire'.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 203 people were killed in the Israeli air strikes targeting what they described as Hezbollah command centers and military sites.
When questioned about whether Tehran would demand that Hezbollah cease firing rockets towards Israel, Khatibzadeh maintained that the Iranian-backed militant group had 'abided' by the ceasefire.
Hezbollah responded by stating it had fired at Israel overnight due to the alleged ceasefire violations and threatened to continue its attacks until the 'Israeli-American aggression' against Lebanon stops.
During an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today program, Khatibzadeh expressed that Tehran had sent a 'crystal clear' message to the White House, asserting that the US cannot expect to have a ceasefire while allowing attacks on its allies.
He remarked, 'You cannot ask for a ceasefire and then accept terms and conditions...then your ally just starts a massacre.' He further explained the recent violence, stating that Hezbollah operated within the bounds of the ceasefire agreement.
Khatibzadeh also addressed Iran’s positioning regarding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that Iran would 'provide security for safe passage' if US aggression ceased. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant number of fatalities in Lebanon, prompting fears about broader regional instability.
