Iran has accused Israel of violating the terms of its ceasefire with the United States following a wave of deadly airstrikes in Lebanon.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, described the attacks as a “grave violation” of the two-week truce agreed earlier in the week. He insisted that Lebanon was included in the ceasefire arrangement — a claim disputed by both the U.S. and Israel.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 203 people were killed in Wednesday’s strikes, which Israel said targeted Hezbollah command centres and military positions.
Khatibzadeh said Iran had delivered a “crystal clear” message to Washington, warning that it could not push for a ceasefire while allowing its allies to continue military actions.
“You cannot ask for a ceasefire and then turn around and accept actions that clearly violate it,” he said, accusing the U.S. of double standards.
When asked whether Iran would pressure Hezbollah to halt its rocket attacks on Israel, Khatibzadeh maintained that the group had respected the ceasefire. However, Hezbollah said it carried out overnight strikes in response to what it called Israeli violations and warned it would continue attacks until aggression against Lebanon stops.
The situation has raised fresh concerns about the fragile nature of the truce, which was brokered with support from Donald Trump. The deal was meant to pause weeks of fighting and allow for de-escalation across the region.
Tensions are also growing around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran had earlier warned that vessels passing through without its permission could be targeted, despite the ceasefire terms requiring the waterway to remain open.
Khatibzadeh, however, said Iran remains committed to international law and is willing to ensure safe passage — provided what he described as “U.S. aggression” stops. He added that Iran hopes to work with Oman and other international partners to establish clear rules for maritime movement in the area.
The Strait of Hormuz is vital to global energy supply, with about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passing through it. Any disruption has immediate consequences for global markets.
Meanwhile, Washington has pushed back against claims that the strait is closed. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said shipping activity has increased, while President Trump warned that U.S. forces would remain in the region until the agreement is fully respected.
Despite the rising tensions, Iran says it has not ruled out further diplomatic talks. Khatibzadeh expressed cautious optimism that a long-term resolution could still be reached, though he admitted trust between both sides remains low.
For now, the ceasefire appears increasingly fragile, with ongoing violence in Lebanon threatening to derail efforts at a broader peace.
