Israeli strikes in Lebanon ‘grave violation’ of ceasefire, Iran minister tells BBC

Israeli Strikes in Lebanon ‘Grave Violation’ of Ceasefire, Iran Minister Tells BBC

An Iranian official has accused Israel of violating the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, stating that Wednesday’s attacks in Lebanon represented a “severe breach” of the terms. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh claimed Lebanon was included in the two-week truce negotiated on Tuesday, a stance contested by the United States and Israel. He emphasized that the U.S. must decide between continuing hostilities or upholding the ceasefire, as the agreement’s scope remains a point of contention.

Iran’s Position on the Ceasefire

The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 203 fatalities from Israeli air strikes targeting Hezbollah command posts and military installations. When questioned about Hezbollah’s continued rocket fire into Israel, Khatibzadeh insisted the group had “complied” with the ceasefire, calling it a “Lebanese freedom movement” supported by Iran. He argued that the truce, which Trump labeled a “workable framework,” required all parties—including Iran and its allies—to adhere to its conditions.

“You cannot ask for a ceasefire and then accept terms that name Lebanon as the area under its protection, only to have your ally launch a massacre,” Khatibzadeh stated during an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “Tehran sent a clear message to the White House late on Wednesday, which could be summarized as: you cannot have cake and eat it at the same time.”

Strait of Hormuz Concerns

Khatibzadeh was also asked about Iran’s warning that vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz without prior approval would be “targeted and destroyed” during the ceasefire. He asserted Iran would follow international law, explaining that the strait includes Oman and Iran’s territorial waters, which both nations have historically allowed passage through out of “goodwill.” The minister noted that, provided the U.S. withdrew its “aggression,” Iran would “guarantee safe passage” for ships.

“Iran wants the strait to be peaceful, but we need a protocol with Oman and the international community to prevent its misuse by warships,” he added.

Since the conflict began on 28 February, Iran has effectively restricted the shipping lane through which approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas typically flow, disrupting international trade. Although the two-week ceasefire was meant to reopen the strait, Iranian state media reported it remained closed after Israeli strikes on Hezbollah. The White House refuted these claims, stating there had been an “increase” in vessel traffic through the waterway. President Trump reiterated on his social media platform that U.S. forces would stay until the “real agreement” with Iran was fully implemented.

Khatibzadeh expressed skepticism about a lasting resolution with Washington, accusing the U.S. of using negotiations to mask military operations. When asked if planned discussions between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan would proceed, he said: “We will closely monitor developments from now on.” He concluded with cautious optimism, stating: “As a diplomat, I remain hopeful that we can finally reach an agreement that aligns with our national and regional interests.”