Tensions remain high in the Middle East after Iran’s Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi warned the United States not to let Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu undermine the new ceasefire.
Before important Iran-US peace talks in Pakistan, Araghchi told Washington not to fall for what he called Netanyahu’s “tricks.” On X, he wrote, “If the US wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it.”
These comments came as a fragile ceasefire began after almost 40 days of fighting. Despite the truce, Israeli forces have continued heavy operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah. Iran and Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator, have strongly objected.
Araghchi pointed out that Netanyahu’s criminal trial will resume on Sunday. He said that a full ceasefire in the region, including Lebanon, could speed up accountability for Netanyahu. He also stressed that the US must decide whether to support the ceasefire or continue the conflict through Israel, and said the world is watching to see if America keeps its promises.
Reports say that soon after the truce started, Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed more than 300 people and injured over 1,100. On Thursday, Israeli forces said they had killed a senior Hezbollah leader in Beirut.
In calls with his Russian, French, Spanish, and German counterparts, Araghchi repeated that Iran is acting responsibly and called for international action against Israeli ceasefire violations. He also said if the US keeps its promises, Iran will allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks as part of the agreement.
This latest exchange highlights how fragile the US-Iran ceasefire is and raises concerns about stability in the region, especially as violence in Lebanon could disrupt diplomatic progress.
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