Iran has publicly expressed support for Hezbollah, which rejected a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, further destabilizing the Middle East. The cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon has been viewed as a crucial prerequisite for peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns that the failure of the ceasefire could weaken diplomatic efforts.
According to Yonhap News on June 6, Reuters reported that Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, stated in an interview with Lebanese media the previous day, "This war can only truly end when it also concludes in Lebanon." He emphasized that the end of the conflict in Lebanon must coincide with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories.
Araghchi's comments followed Hezbollah Secretary-General Naeem Qassem's rejection of a ceasefire proposal mediated by the United States between the Israeli and Lebanese governments.
Hezbollah maintains that it cannot accept the ceasefire because it does not include the withdrawal of Israeli troops from occupied areas. Following this, Israel continued its military operations, bombing southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah retaliated with rockets and drones, effectively rendering the ceasefire proposal meaningless.
In response to the deteriorating ceasefire situation, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized the use of Lebanon as a bargaining chip. However, Iran has remained steadfast in its position.
On June 6, Araghchi also remarked on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "Listening to President Aoun, it seems as if Iran occupies one-fifth of Lebanese territory and has turned one-quarter of the Lebanese population into refugees while bombing Lebanon daily."
He urged President Aoun to "save Lebanon from its real enemy," implying that Israel, which is currently bombing Hezbollah, is the true adversary Lebanon must confront.
According to Iran's Mehr News Agency, Mohsen Rezaei, a military advisor to the Supreme Leader, referred to Hezbollah as "our ally that has made significant sacrifices in the recent war" and stated, "We support Hezbollah and will firmly fulfill our obligations to them." He warned Israel to leave Lebanon, asserting that Lebanon is an inseparable part of any agreement.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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