Iran Calls on US to End Israeli Military Actions in Lebanon

Iran has accused Israel of breaching the US-Iran memorandum of understanding by persisting with military actions in Lebanon. Iranian officials stated that it is the responsibility of the United States to ensure the cessation of these attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking during a visit to Baghdad, expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict and highlighted the need for compliance with the agreement signed between Tehran and Washington.

Araghchi referred to Article One of the memorandum, which mandates an end to hostilities across various fronts, including Lebanon. "We regret that the Israeli regime continues its attacks," he commented, emphasising that the US bears the responsibility for enforcing the terms of the agreement.

"It is the responsibility of the United States... to ensure that these attacks by the Israeli regime are brought to an end and to allow the cessation of the war to be fully implemented there as well, including the withdrawal from the occupied territories," he added. He urged all involved parties to adhere to the agreement instead of pursuing independent security measures that could jeopardise the ceasefire.

These statements were made against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East, which have placed the fragile US-Iran peace agreement under significant pressure. Recent US military strikes on Iranian targets followed accusations of Iranian attacks on commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles and drones at US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Amid these developments, Israel has continued operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, despite a temporary ceasefire established just days prior. The Israeli military reported targeting Hezbollah fighters equipped with rocket-propelled grenades and claimed to have struck a rocket launcher located in the Nabatieh region, asserting that these actions are necessary to safeguard northern Israel.

Iran has cautioned that the continuation of Israeli military activity not only undermines the US-Iran memorandum of understanding but also threatens regional stability. Tehran asserts that a lasting ceasefire requires Israel to cease all operations in Lebanon and withdraw from territories it occupies.

Additionally, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s authority over the management of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, warning against any attempts to create alternative security arrangements. He stated, "This responsibility rests on the Islamic Republic of Iran. There is no other party or state in this respect." Such actions, he insisted, would lead to complications and exacerbate tensions, as experienced in recent days.

Iran's state media have reported that vessels navigating through the Strait of Hormuz must coordinate with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The media added that ships entering the Gulf should follow routes south of Hormuz Island, while those departing should pass south of Larak Island.

These developments signal a continued escalation of conflict in the region, with the Israeli military's recent actions further straining the already tenuous US-Iran peace agreement and raising concerns about the potential for broader military confrontations.