▲ The moment of the Israeli military's airstrike on Beirut last March
With a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war between the United States and Iran reportedly imminent, Iran has strongly protested after Israel conducted an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, on June 14 (local time), declaring that it can no longer continue negotiations with the U.S.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and head of Iran's ceasefire negotiations, criticized the move on social media platform X, stating, "The Zionist (Israeli) aggression on Dahiyeh once again clearly demonstrates that the U.S. either lacks the will or the ability to fulfill its commitments."
Ghalibaf further accused the U.S. of employing a "division of labor" tactic, where it pressures Iran for concessions while tacitly approving Israel's military actions.
"Giving the green light to the Israeli regime will not extract any concessions (from Iran)," he said, adding that "the 'Good cop, Bad cop' routine is an outdated tactic."
In particular, appearing mindful of the delicate timing as the U.S. and Iran approach the signing of a ceasefire MOU, Ghalibaf strongly hinted that future diplomatic processes could be halted.
"If the U.S. lacks the will and ability to fulfill its own commitments, it is impossible to even discuss continuing the journey (ceasefire negotiations) ahead," he warned.
Mohammad Jafar Asadi, deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees the integrated command of the Iranian military, also warned, "We will not stand idly by regarding Israel's criminal acts and will certainly retaliate."
Earlier, Israel stated that it struck a Hezbollah command center in Dahiyeh in retaliation for three Hezbollah drones entering its northern territory.
Lebanon's state news agency reported that at least three people have been killed and 15 injured in the Israeli airstrike so far.
During the ceasefire negotiations with the U.S., Iran has insisted that Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates, must be included in the scope of the truce.
However, Israel maintains its position that it reserves the right to take independent military action in self-defense if it is attacked.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.