Iranian Minister Condemns Israeli Strikes as Ceasefire Violation
An Iranian minister has stated to the BBC that Israeli air strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday represent a "grave violation" of the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh asserted that Lebanon falls under the scope of the two-week ceasefire deal agreed upon Tuesday, a point contested by the US and Israel. He emphasized that the US must decide "between war and ceasefire."
The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 203 people were killed on Wednesday during air strikes targeting what Israel described as Hezbollah command centers and military sites.
Iran's Position on Hezbollah's Actions
When questioned about whether Tehran would ask Hezbollah to cease firing rockets toward Israel, Khatibzadeh maintained that the Iranian-backed group had "abided" by the ceasefire.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Khatibzadeh said Tehran sent a "crystal clear" message to the White House late Wednesday, summarized as:
"You cannot have cake and eat it at the same time."
He elaborated:
"You cannot ask for a ceasefire and then accept terms and conditions, accept all the areas that a ceasefire is applied to, and name Lebanon, exactly Lebanon in that, and then your ally just starts a massacre."
Pressed further on whether Iran would request Hezbollah to halt attacks on Israel, Khatibzadeh described Hezbollah as a "Lebanese freedom movement" which he openly acknowledged receives "support" from Iran.
He referred to the deal reached, which former US President Trump called a "workable framework," stating it required Iran, Washington, and their respective allies to adhere to the ceasefire. He claimed Hezbollah had "very much abided by that."
Comments on Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Security
The minister was also questioned about Tehran's warning that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission "would be targeted and destroyed," despite the ceasefire agreement stipulating safe passage through this vital waterway. He was asked if this stance could be considered an act of war.
Khatibzadeh responded that Iran would comply with international law, while noting that the shipping channel constitutes the territorial waters of Oman and Iran, both of which have historically allowed safe passage out of "goodwill."
He added that if the US withdrew its "aggression," Iran would "provide security for safe passage."
When asked whether this implied Iran would refrain from charging ships for passage or threatening them, the minister stated Iran desired the strait to be "peaceful."
However, he noted that Iran would need to collaborate with Oman and the international community to establish a protocol for safe passage to prevent misuse by warships.
Outlook on US-Iran Relations and Future Talks
Khatibzadeh expressed skepticism about achieving a permanent understanding with the US, accusing Washington of using negotiations as a pretext for military actions.
Regarding scheduled talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan, he said:
"We are going to closely monitor what is happening from now on."
He added:
"But as a diplomat, I'm very much hopeful that finally we reach an understanding and settle this within our national interest and within the regional interest."
