Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Israeli attacks on Lebanon undermine the ceasefire agreement and render peace negotiations with the U.S. pointless.
Iran Reacts to Israeli Attacks, Sees U.S. Talks as Futile
Iran is responding to Israeli attacks, with President Masoud Pezeshkian assessing on Thursday that Israeli strikes on Lebanon violate the ceasefire agreement and negate the value of upcoming peace negotiations with the U.S., scheduled to begin Friday.
Pezeshkian added that Tehran will not abandon the Lebanese people.
Criticism of Israeli Strikes and Warnings of Consequences
Iran has criticized Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and warned of potential repercussions. Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, echoed this sentiment on X, stating that Lebanon and the Axis of Resistance are integral to the ceasefire.
Ghalibaf emphasized that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly affirmed the importance of Lebanon and warned that violations of the ceasefire will result in “strong” responses.
Escalation Following Intense Israeli Raids
These comments followed the most intense wave of Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since Hezbollah joined the U.S.-Israel war with Iran in early March. Lebanese civil defense reported at least 254 deaths and 1165 injuries as a result of the strikes as of Wednesday.
Iran-U.S. Ceasefire in Jeopardy
Concerns arose on Wednesday that the Iran-U.S. ceasefire agreement could be canceled due to the continuation of Israeli airstrikes. Iranian state news agency Tasnim, citing an anonymous source, reported that Tehran intends to withdraw from the agreement if Israel does not cease its military actions against Hezbollah.
Ghalibaf also confirmed this position Wednesday night.
Differing Views on Lebanon’s Role in Ceasefire
The U.S. and Israel present a different view regarding the continuation of airstrikes on Lebanon. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that, according to Washington, Lebanon is not part of the two-week ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a similar viewpoint.
Negotiations Set for Islamabad
On Thursday morning, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam announced on X that the Iranian negotiating team would arrive in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, that evening for talks with the U.S.
Trump Announces Ceasefire Agreement with Conditions
U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Tuesday night that he had agreed to a Pakistani proposal for a two-week ceasefire, contingent on Iran immediately opening the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the ceasefire would be “mutual.”
U.S.-Iranian talks to end the war are scheduled to begin Friday in Islamabad, with Vice President J.D. Vance leading the American delegation.
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