Iran: Iran’s Foreign Ministry held the United States responsible for the consequences of Israeli ceasefire violations in Lebanon, warning that Tehran would defend its interests ‘wherever necessary.’
According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry stated that the April 8 ceasefire agreement halted what it described as the US- and Israeli-imposed war against Iran on all fronts, including Lebanon. It emphasized that since the ceasefire took effect, the United States has repeatedly committed ‘clear violations’ of the agreement, including continued interference with Iranian commercial shipping.
The ministry accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire in Lebanon, stating that Israeli attacks have breached Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, resulting in the deaths and injuries of thousands of Lebanese, displacing around 2 million people, and damaging infrastructure and civilian homes. ‘A violation of the ceasefire on any front constitutes a violation on all fronts,’ the statement said.
The ministry asserted that despite initial US efforts to pressure Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon, Washington bears direct responsibility for both the alleged violations of the ceasefire with Iran and Israeli violations in Lebanon. ‘The responsibility for the consequences and repercussions of this situation rests with the United States,’ the statement declared.
Iran has consistently warned about the dangerous consequences of ceasefire violations for regional peace and security and has called for an end to the attacks. The ministry reiterated that Iran reserves the right to defend itself under international law. ‘It is evident that the Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its interests with all its capabilities and by utilizing all available capacities, based on its inherent right to self-defense, wherever it deems necessary,’ the statement said.
This statement comes amid escalating tensions over Israeli military operations in Lebanon and ongoing disputes between Tehran and Washington following their ceasefire.