Israeli strikes in Lebanon ‘grave violation’ of ceasefire, Iran minister tells BBC
Israeli Strikes in Lebanon ‘Grave Violation’ of Ceasefire, Iran Minister Tells BBC
Iranian official accuses Israel of breaching agreement, citing Hezbollah attacks
Iran’s deputy foreign minister asserted to the BBC that Israeli air strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday represented a “grave violation” of the temporary ceasefire deal between the US and Iran. Khatibzadeh argued that Lebanon was included in the two-week agreement, a claim contested by both Washington and Tel Aviv. He urged the US to decide “between war and ceasefire,” highlighting the conflict’s escalation.
“You cannot ask for a ceasefire and then accept terms that name Lebanon as the area of application, only to have your ally launch a massacre,”
Khatibzadeh stated during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He emphasized Tehran’s message to the White House as “crystal clear,” noting it demanded consistency in the ceasefire’s enforcement. The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 203 casualties from Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah command posts and military installations.
When questioned about Hezbollah’s rocket fire toward Israel, Khatibzadeh maintained the group had “abided” by the ceasefire, describing it as a “Lebanese freedom movement” supported by Iran. He reiterated that the agreement, which Trump labeled a “workable framework,” required all parties, including Iran and its allies, to comply with the terms.
Khatibzadeh also addressed Iran’s warning to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz without permission, despite the ceasefire’s stipulation for free passage. He argued Iran adhered to international law, citing the strait’s territorial waters as shared between Oman and Iran, with both historically allowing safe transit out of “goodwill.” The minister expressed hope for a future agreement but remained skeptical about a lasting resolution.
Meanwhile, the White House dismissed reports of the strait being closed, calling them “false,” while President Trump reiterated on Truth Social that US forces would stay in the region until the “real agreement” with Iran was fully implemented. The ceasefire’s conditions included reopening the oil and gas route, but Iranian state media claimed it remained blocked after Israeli attacks on Hezbollah.
Scheduled talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan are set to proceed, though Khatibzadeh indicated Iran would monitor developments closely. “We are going to closely monitor what is happening from now on,”
“But as a diplomat, I’m very much hopeful that finally we reach an understanding and settle this within our national interest and regional interest,”
Khatibzadeh concluded, underscoring the complexity of the ongoing conflict. Since the war began on 28 February, Iran has effectively disrupted a critical shipping lane, affecting about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic.