Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has strongly condemned the Israeli regime’s attacks over the past several days on areas in southern Lebanon, which have killed and wounded Lebanese citizens and caused damage to homes and infrastructure.
Esmaeil Baghaei denounced the continued Israeli attacks and violations of Lebanon’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty, saying the silence and indifference of international bodies, particularly the UN Security Council, have encouraged Israel to intensify its aggression.
“The silence and indifference of international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, have emboldened the Israeli regime and enabled the continuation of its aggression and crimes,” Baghaei said.
He also slammed the United States over its complicity in Israel’s acts of aggression across the region due to its broad support for the regime.
“Because of its comprehensive support for the occupying regime, the US administration is considered an accomplice and partner in all of the Israeli regime’s crimes in Lebanon, occupied Palestine and the entire region,” he said.
The Iranian diplomat also praised the Lebanese people for their “brave resistance and steadfastness” in the face of Israeli aggression and occupation.
He said the Islamic Republic of Iran stands in “full solidarity” with Lebanon as it seeks to defend its sovereignty, dignity and independence against Israeli aggression.
The strikes came only days after the seventh round of US-brokered negotiations between Lebanon and Israel concluded in Rome without any breakthrough, marked by Israeli forces unleashing their most intense artillery barrage on southern Lebanon since the signing of a controversial framework agreement in June.
Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement on June 26, mediated by the United States, which outlines a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied territories in Lebanon, starting with a pilot model in two zones that have not been publicly revealed.
The agreement does not establish a timeline for the withdrawal, tying its completion to the Lebanese army taking full security responsibility in the areas that have been evacuated and the disarmament of armed groups, specifically referring to Hezbollah.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Israel has continued carrying out attacks in Lebanon.
The continued attacks have cast uncertainty over efforts to implement the framework, with Lebanese authorities reporting thousands of deaths and injuries and large-scale displacement since the start of the latest Israeli campaign.
According to official Lebanese figures, Israeli attacks have killed 4,335 people, wounded over 12,250 others and displaced more than 1 million people since March 2.
