Iranian Minister Tells BBC: US Faces Decision Between War and Ceasefire

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh warned that the United States must choose between enforcing a ceasefire or risking further conflict, as Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon continue despite a recent agreement, highlighting rising tensions and challenges to regional stability.

An Iranian official has criticized recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, describing them as a serious violation of the ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and Iran. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that Lebanon was explicitly included in the two-week ceasefire agreement reached on Tuesday, despite objections from both the US and Israel.

Casualties and Airstrikes in Lebanon

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least 203 people were killed on Wednesday as a result of Israeli airstrikes targeting locations identified as Hezbollah command centers and military facilities. Khatibzadeh emphasized that these attacks compromise the framework of the ceasefire, undermining efforts to stabilize the situation in the region.

Iran’s Position on Hezbollah

When asked whether Iran would instruct Hezbollah to stop rocket attacks on Israel, Khatibzadeh affirmed that Hezbollah has complied with the terms of the ceasefire. He referred to the group as a "Lebanese freedom movement" supported by Iran and highlighted that the agreement requires all parties and their allies to observe the ceasefire conditions. According to Khatibzadeh, Hezbollah has largely adhered to the framework, while Israel has continued its military operations in violation of the agreement.

Message to the White House

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Khatibzadeh conveyed that Iran issued a clear message to the US on Wednesday evening, stating that Washington cannot demand adherence to a ceasefire while simultaneously allowing attacks on areas covered by the agreement. He summarized the message as: "You cannot have cake and eat it at the same time," emphasizing the need for consistent compliance from all involved parties.

Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Security

The minister also addressed previous Iranian warnings regarding ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that vessels passing through the strait without Iran’s consent could face targeting, while clarifying that Iran intends to operate within international law. The strait is within the territorial waters of Oman and Iran, and both countries have historically permitted safe passage. Key points on maritime security include:

• If the US halts aggressive actions, Iran will ensure safe navigation.
• The goal remains maintaining peace and stability in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Protocols will be established with Oman and the international community to prevent misuse of the strait by military vessels.

Outlook on US-Iran Negotiations

Khatibzadeh expressed doubt about reaching a permanent agreement with the United States, noting that Washington has previously used negotiations as a pretext for military actions. He mentioned upcoming discussions in Pakistan, stating that Iran will closely monitor developments while remaining cautiously optimistic about reaching an understanding that aligns with its national and regional interests.

Related Developments

Reports indicate that at least 182 people were killed across Lebanon during a wave of Israeli airstrikes. Israel has expressed official support for the US-Iran ceasefire, although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military objectives have not been fully achieved. There have been calls to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for maritime traffic without restrictions. Khatibzadeh’s statements underscore ongoing tensions regarding ceasefire compliance, particularly the insistence on Israel’s adherence, while reaffirming Iran’s commitment to international law in managing strategic waterways.

Sources:

• Iran warns US must choose between ceasefire and war via Israel
• Iranian FM says US must choose between ceasefire, supporting Israel
• US-Iran ceasefire: what we know
• US must choose 'between war and ceasefire', Iranian minister tells BBC