Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister has said that any durable peace in the region must include Lebanon and that the coming hours are “very critical,” according to statements attributed to him in open‑source Iranian media . The comments come as the fragile two‑week Iran–US ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, faces its first major test over divergent interpretations of whether Lebanon is covered by the truce.
The Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that a meaningful regional peace cannot be achieved while Israel continues to carry out air and ground operations inside Lebanon, which Tehran views as part of the broader Iran–Israel–US conflict landscape. He called on the United States to use its influence over Israel to halt the attacks, framing Washington’s ability to stop Israeli strikes as a key benchmark for the credibility of the ceasefire.
Iran has repeatedly described Israeli bombardment of Lebanese territory in recent days as a “grave violation” of the ceasefire framework, while Washington and Tel Aviv insist that Lebanon lies outside the formal terms of the Iran–US understanding. Pakistani mediators, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have publicly stated that the ceasefire is intended to apply regionally and have urged restraint on both sides, underscoring Islamabad’s role as the main channel between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian officials have warned that continued Israeli action in Lebanon could prompt Tehran to reconsider its participation in the truce, including possible military escalation and further disruption of strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Key highlights
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Any peace must include Lebanon, says deputy FM.
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US must stop Israeli attacks on Lebanon, he warns.
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Coming hours described as very critical.
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Israeli strikes on Lebanon called grave ceasefire breach.
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Iran ready to reassess truce if Lebanon attacks continue.