▲ Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon
As armed clashes intensify between Israel and the pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran has strongly condemned Israel and held the United States, a party to the ceasefire agreement, accountable.
According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency on June 19 (local time), Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "We strongly condemn the Israeli aggression and terrorist operations in Lebanon, which have resulted in dozens of Lebanese casualties and the destruction of residential areas and national infrastructure."
He further warned, "If the war provocations by Israel, which continues to commit occupation and genocide, persist, it will lead to serious and immediate consequences for regional peace and security."
Referring to Article 1 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ending the war, which specifies the end of the war in Lebanon as an essential element of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, spokesperson Baghaei emphasized, "We will take all necessary measures to protect our national interests, security, and our allies."
The Israeli military conducted airstrikes on approximately 80 Hezbollah command posts and other infrastructure across southern Lebanon from the night of June 18 to the morning of June 19.
Israel claimed that these airstrikes were a response to Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire, which resulted in the deaths of four Israeli officers and soldiers.
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported that at least 18 people were killed and 33 others injured in the Israeli airstrikes.
Amid the armed conflict between the two sides, follow-up negotiations for the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which were scheduled to be held in Switzerland on June 19, were canceled.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly criticized remarks made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who suggested that Lebanon should be burned to the ground.
Minister Araghchi pointed out on social media platform X, "This is not just the ramblings of some unknown genocidal fanatic, but a public post by the National Security Minister of the Israeli regime."
He continued his fierce criticism, stating, "This death-worshipping genocidal group based in Tel Aviv is a threat to all of humanity. They threaten every human being, and their only interest is permanent war."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.