Iran says war will only end when it ends in Lebanon

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the US-Israel war with Iran will only end “when it also ends in Lebanon.”

“We hold the same position regarding a ceasefire, and the same position regarding ending the war,” Araghchi said in an interview with Arab media outlet Al Mayadeen, shared by Iran’s foreign ministry.

Iran has repeatedly said that any ceasefire agreement must include Lebanon – a stipulation that has threatened to disrupt the US negotiating process with Tehran.

Araghchi also said that the end of the war must mean that Israeli forces withdraw from Lebanon, where Israel has been conducting an campaign targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah since early March.

On Wednesday, Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire, contingent on a cessation of Hezbollah fire and the removal of Hezbollah operatives from southern Lebanon.

Araghchi said that all parties, including Hezbollah, must participate in national dialogue to solve Lebanon’s internal issues.

“The world must recognize that Hezbollah is part of Lebanon’s reality,” he said, adding that attempts by Israel to dismantle the group and assassinate its leaders have only made it stronger.

Araghchi indicated that Iran would help with reconstruction efforts in the country once that happens.

“We hope that reconstruction efforts will begin after the war ends. Naturally, the people and government of Iran will never forget their friends in Lebanon… we will certainly do whatever we can to help the Lebanese people,” he said.

Source: CNN