Tehran: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has declared that the US naval blockade against Iran, coupled with Washington’s support for Israel, has rendered American and Israeli bases and interests in the region ‘legitimate targets’. This statement comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to Anadolu Agency, Qalibaf made his remarks on the US social media platform X, following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, which resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to 11 others. He accused the US of facilitating Israeli military actions, emphasizing that the blockade and the support for Israel’s military endeavors have provoked a situation where American and Israeli assets are now seen as valid targets for retaliation.

He further stated, “Our armed forces are always ready to respond,” underscoring the readiness of Iran’s military to engage if necessary. Qalibaf criticized both the US and Israel for allegedly breaching ceasefire agreements and neglecting diplomatic resolutions, asserting that they “only understand the language of force.”

The Israeli military has justified the airstrikes in Beirut, claiming they targeted a Hezbollah infrastructure facility. Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, reported that Israel had informed the US about the attack before executing the airstrikes. These strikes mark the first occurrence in the Lebanese capital since a ceasefire was extended on June 3, following US-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Washington.

Since a Hezbollah cross-border attack in early March, Israel has consistently conducted airstrikes in Lebanon, resulting in over 3,600 deaths and more than 11,000 injuries since March 2. The Middle Eastern conflict has intensified since February 28 when the US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran. In response, Tehran launched attacks targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf and closed the Strait of Hormuz.

A temporary ceasefire was established on April 8 through mediation by Pakistan, but subsequent discussions in Islamabad failed to reach a durable resolution. Following these stalled negotiations, the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports starting April 13, including those along the strategic Strait of Hormuz.