Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has issued a warning that Iran will retaliate if Israel strikes Beirut. Araghchi emphasized that Iran has made it clear to all parties that an assault on the Lebanese capital will not be tolerated and could lead to a resumption of hostilities. In an interview with Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen, Araghchi stated that Iran’s armed forces are ready to retaliate and are prepared to target Israel in the event of an attack on Beirut.
Araghchi accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreements in both Iran and Lebanon in recent days. He highlighted the interconnectedness of Lebanon and Iran in the ongoing conflict, stressing that any peace deal or ceasefire must encompass both nations. Araghchi mentioned that there have been ongoing communications between Tehran and Washington through exchanged messages, although significant progress has yet to be achieved. Both sides are reportedly reviewing the exchanged texts and are working towards a final agreement.
While expressing Iran’s desire for peace and security based on dignity and honor, Araghchi clarified that Iran does not seek war. He mentioned that Iran has responded positively to requests for negotiations. However, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to resume military actions promptly and possess the capability to engage in a prolonged conflict.
Reports suggest that Iran and the United States have exchanged several proposed peace plans in recent weeks, facilitated by Pakistan’s mediation. Efforts are underway to finalize a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the ongoing hostilities. Despite this, Iran reportedly suspended the exchange of messages with the US through mediation in protest against Israel’s recent actions in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump refuted this claim, asserting that talks between the US and Iran are progressing rapidly.
Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it conducted missile and drone strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation for a US attack on an IRGC communications tower on Iran’s Qeshm Island.
