Iran Warns Israeli Attacks in Lebanon Threaten Ceasefire with US
Iran has cautioned that Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon could jeopardize Tehran's ceasefire agreement with the United States, following orders from Israel's prime minister to conduct strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the agreement with the US constitutes "unequivocally a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon," adding that "its violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts."
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that "terror targets" in Beirut's Dahieh district would be targeted in retaliation for rocket and drone attacks attributed to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
In subsequent posts on social media, former US President Donald Trump asserted that negotiations with Iran were progressing at a "rapid pace" and stated he had communicated with both Netanyahu and representatives from Hezbollah.
"I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back," Trump said.
"Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop - That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel."
Netanyahu later confirmed his conversation with Trump. In a post on X, he wrote that he informed the US president that "if Hezbollah does not stop attacking our cities and civilians, Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut." He added, "At the same time, the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] will continue to operate in southern Lebanon as planned."
Meanwhile, the Lebanese president's office reported that national authorities had "received confirmation of Hezbollah's acceptance of the US proposal for a mutual cessation of attacks." The statement further explained, "Under the proposed arrangement, Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs would cease in exchange for Hezbollah refraining from attacks against Israel, with the ceasefire to be extended to encompass all Lebanese territory."
Earlier, Iran's Tasnim news agency indicated that Tehran might suspend indirect negotiations with the US due to Israeli military actions in Lebanon. Tasnim, affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also stated that Iran and its allies would "activate other fronts, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait" at the entrance of the Red Sea.
While Iranian authorities have not publicly addressed the Tasnim report, state television noted a high likelihood of the ceasefire with the US ending if Israel does not halt its offensive in Lebanon.
The truce between the US and Iran took effect on 8 April but has not succeeded in ending hostilities. The US has attempted to separate the situation in Lebanon from broader negotiations with Iran, which has long provided Hezbollah with substantial ideological, military, and financial support, insisting that any agreement must include peace in Lebanon.
On Sunday, a US official stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had proposed a plan for "gradual de-escalation" to both Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
The Israeli military has conducted two strikes on Beirut since the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon began on 16 April, most recently on Thursday. However, this represents a reduction compared to previous activity, with reports indicating that the White House has pressured Israel to limit military actions in Beirut to avoid undermining efforts to reach a broader agreement to end the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Tensions between Iran and the US also escalated over the weekend in the Strait of Hormuz. The US reported conducting strikes on Iranian military sites, while Tehran responded by targeting a US base in Kuwait.
The price of oil increased on Monday following these exchanges. Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, rose nearly $5 (£3.7) per barrel to $97.44 (£72.45).
Oil prices have been volatile since Israel and the US launched strikes against Iran on 28 February, influenced by potential peace deals and further escalations.
The ongoing three-month conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global energy costs. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies typically transit this strategic waterway.
Trump has repeatedly suggested in recent days that Washington and Tehran are nearing a permanent deal and that negotiations are advancing, although no formal agreement has yet been reached.
Additional reporting by Michael Race
