▲ Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon
As Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon despite the entry into force of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities, media outlets representing hardliners in Iran have begun calling for the re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tasnim News, which is linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, criticized the situation on June 19 (local time), stating, "The barbaric aggression by the U.S.'s mad dog, Israel, against southern Lebanon has not ceased, and the intensity of the airstrikes has significantly increased over the past 24 hours."
The outlet further argued, "Israel's crimes in Lebanon and its failure to withdraw are a complete violation of the Islamabad MOU agreed upon by Iran and the U.S. President," adding, "The Strait of Hormuz must be closed until Israel's barbaric acts are halted and it withdraws from Lebanon."
They went further to urge the total cancellation of the 60-day main negotiations promised under the MOU.
The media outlet pointed out, "Israel's continued crimes and occupation of Lebanese territory signify a death sentence for the MOU," and warned, "If we keep the Strait of Hormuz open despite these violations of the agreement, the leverage that Iran exerts will be severely undermined."
The hardline Fars News Agency also reported on the same day that "strategic analysts argue that following the correct first step of canceling negotiations due to Israel's continued attacks on southern Lebanon, the second step should be a decision to immediately close the Strait of Hormuz."
The report claimed that such a decision should be made through a resolution by the Supreme National Security Council, asserting that it is a solution to force the United States to control Israel.
The first clause of the ceasefire MOU, which went into effect between the U.S. and Iran on June 17, stipulates that all military operations, including those on all fronts, must be terminated immediately.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also mentioned the ceasefire MOU on this day, warning, "The cessation of war in Lebanon is an inseparable element of the agreement to end hostilities on all fronts, and we will take all necessary measures to protect our national interests, security, and allies."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.