Iran states it will not hesitate to support Lebanon against Israel's illegal aggression

ISTANBUL (ANTARA) - Iran warned on Monday that it would not hesitate to assist Lebanon against Israel’s ‘illegal aggression’. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated during a press conference cited by IRNA: ‘We have reiterated and continue to stress that the ceasefire in Lebanon is an integral part of any ceasefire and final agreement to end the war with the United States.’ The remarks followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order for military airstrikes on Beirut on Monday, marking the latest escalation despite the ongoing ceasefire in Lebanon. Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran in February, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, as well as closing the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on 8 April through Pakistan’s mediation, but subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a sustainable agreement. Both sides have since continued exchanging proposals in an effort to resume direct negotiations and end the conflict.