Iran’s Araghchi: No Ceasefire Without Halting Attacks on Lebanon
Iran says halting Israeli attacks on Lebanon is integral to the ceasefire, urges global action, and warns violations risk undermining diplomacy
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, has declared that any ceasefire framework remains incomplete without a full halt to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, stressing that continued aggression constitutes a serious violation of the agreement and threatens ongoing diplomatic efforts.
His remarks come amid escalating tensions following a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States, which has been complicated by ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon despite the truce.
Lebanon an Integral Part of Ceasefire Framework
Speaking during a phone call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Araghchi emphasized that halting attacks across the region—particularly in Lebanon—is not optional, but a core condition of the ceasefire understanding.
He stated that despite the announcement of a ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued what he described as “savage attacks” against Lebanon, constituting a severe breach of the agreement.
Araghchi stressed that the cessation of aggression in Lebanon was explicitly included in the framework of the ceasefire, a position also reinforced by Pakistani mediation efforts.
This stance aligns with broader Iranian assertions that the ceasefire must extend beyond Iran itself to include allied fronts such as Lebanon.
Call for International Action
The Iranian foreign minister urged the international community—particularly European countries—to take serious and immediate action to stop Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
He framed the situation as a test of international responsibility, warning that failure to act would allow continued violations and undermine the credibility of diplomatic processes.
His French counterpart welcomed the cessation of hostilities but also stressed the need to halt attacks on Lebanon and advance negotiations toward long-term regional stability.
Regional Diplomacy Intensifies
Alongside his call with France, Araghchi held separate discussions with the foreign ministers of Iraq, Egypt, and South Korea, focusing on developments following the ceasefire announcement.
In talks with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Araghchi expressed appreciation for Iraq’s leadership, religious authorities, and people for their solidarity with Iran and their condemnation of U.S. and Israeli military aggression.
He reiterated that Iran had accepted the ceasefire proposal responsibly, as a pathway toward negotiations aimed at ending the war completely.
Ceasefire Must Apply Across All Fronts
Across his diplomatic engagements, Araghchi repeatedly emphasized that the ceasefire must not remain limited or selective, but must extend across all arenas of conflict, including Lebanon.
He warned that continued Israeli attacks—resulting in the killing of hundreds of civilians—represent not only a violation of the ceasefire, but also an attempt to prolong the war and sabotage diplomacy.
Regional tensions remain high, as Israeli strikes on Lebanon have already raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire and the risk of wider escalation.
Hormuz and Conditional Stability
Addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi stated that safe maritime transit remains possible under coordination with Iran’s armed forces, provided that all parties adhere to their commitments.
He emphasized that compliance with the ceasefire is essential for maintaining stability and preventing further escalation across the region.
Toward a Comprehensive End to War
In a separate call with Egypt’s foreign minister, both sides underscored the importance of fulfilling commitments and ensuring a complete cessation of hostilities across all fronts.
The discussions reflect a growing regional understanding that the ceasefire must lead to a definitive and irreversible end to the war, rather than a temporary pause in hostilities. (PW)