Beirut, Lebanon. Iran has reaffirmed support for Hezbollah and called for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon, complicating efforts toward an interim agreement to end the broader conflict involving the United States and Iran. Tehran has made a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah a condition for any peace deal with Washington.
Iran links wider deal to Lebanon ceasefire
Iran said the regional war, now in its fourth month, cannot end without a halt to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and a resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest round of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began at the start of March, two days after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Hezbollah said its actions were in support of Tehran.
Araqchi calls for Israeli withdrawal
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Lebanese television station Al Mayadeen late on Thursday that the conflict would end only if it also ended in Lebanon.
“The end of the war on Lebanon must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they have occupied,” he said.
Hezbollah rejects U.S.-brokered pact
Araqchi’s comments followed Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem’s rejection of a U.S.-brokered agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government aimed at halting the fighting in Lebanon.
The proposed deal did not include an Israeli withdrawal, and Hezbollah was not part of the negotiations.
Strikes continue in southern Lebanon
Israel has continued strikes in southern Lebanon and said its forces would not withdraw or suspend operations there amid increasing friction with the United States.
Hezbollah said on Friday it had carried out two attacks on Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, including near the recently captured Beaufort Castle. Lebanese security services said Israeli airstrikes hit towns across southern Lebanon.
Iran reiterates support for Hezbollah
Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said Hezbollah had “made great sacrifices in the recent war and it is our ally.”
“Therefore, we support Hezbollah and remain firmly committed to our obligations toward it,” he said.
