ALBAWABA - Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, has listed two prerequisites that must be met for Iran to back an Israeli-Hezbollah cease-fire.
Araghchi asserts that any ceasefire must protect Lebanese citizens' rights and be approved by Hezbollah, the resistance organization in Lebanon. The ceasefire must also guarantee an end to hostilities in Gaza.
Araghchi said, "We have spoken with Lebanese officials and are in contact with other nations regarding the ceasefire," in an interview with Iranian state television. Iran is in favor of peace initiatives as long as they uphold Lebanon's rights and honor Hezbollah's position. Any accord must also take place in tandem with a complete truce in Gaza."
Araghchi underscored the gravity of his visit to Beirut, pointing out that the situation is urgent due to the continued Israeli assault. "My presence in Beirut, which is under continuous attack, is a clear message that Tehran stands resolutely by Hezbollah," he said.
Along with threatening a more forceful reaction, the Iranian foreign minister cautioned Israel against launching any further strikes on Iran. "We have only focused on military and security installations, in contrast to Israel, which attacks civilian infrastructure. Iran would react harshly and strategically if Israel escalates, he said.
Araghchi's comments coincide with an increase in hostilities between Iran and Israel. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked Israeli positions with missiles last Tuesday. The attack was characterized by the Revolutionary Guard as retaliation for the July 31 assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, as well as the September 27 Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut that resulted in the deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Quds Force commander Abbas Nilforushan.
Numerous ballistic missiles were fired against important Israeli military and security targets, according to a statement from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. If Israel retaliated, further strikes would occur. A comprehensive report on the strikes is anticipated to be made available shortly.
