Iran Accuses US, Israel Of Ceasefire Violations, Says Lebanon Truce Key To Any Final Deal

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei accused the United States and Israel of repeatedly violating ceasefire agreements in the region during a Monday press briefing. He emphasized that any potential deal with Washington must include a ceasefire in Lebanon, calling it an essential condition for ending the conflict. Baqaei stated that both the US and Israel were continuing military actions despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, alleging that Washington’s aggressive strikes had triggered retaliatory actions from Iran. The latest escalation followed US military strikes on Iranian radar and drone-control facilities in southern Iran over the weekend, in response to the downing of an MQ-1 drone. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later targeted an airbase from which the US attack originated, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB. Meanwhile, Kuwait intercepted missile and drone attacks, though the origin remained unspecified. In Lebanon, Israel intensified operations, capturing the medieval Beaufort Castle, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a significant shift in the conflict. An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed eight civilians, including three women, while Staff Sergeant Adam Tzarfati, 20, was killed in combat after a Hezbollah drone attack. Since early March, 26 Israelis, including 25 soldiers, have died in hostilities linked to the conflict. Iran’s nuclear talks with the US remain stalled, with Baqaei stating that no substantive discussions had taken place on the nuclear program. He criticized Washington for constantly changing demands, slowing negotiations, and insisted that ending the war in the region was the current priority. The ongoing military exchanges and diplomatic tensions underscore the fragile state of regional security.