Araghchi Warns: War Unfolds Without Israel Halting Lebanon Attacks or Occupation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that any future Israeli attacks in Lebanon or continued occupation of recently seized territory would be considered a violation of a proposed Iran-US memorandum of understanding. Speaking to foreign diplomats based in Tehran on Tuesday, Araghchi said the agreement – expected to be signed in Switzerland on Friday – centres on an immediate and permanent end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon.

According to Iranian media reports, Araghchi stressed that ending Israeli aggression in Lebanon is an “integral part” of the deal. He said the most important provision of the memorandum is a comprehensive ceasefire framework, arguing that peace cannot be achieved unless all related fronts are included in the arrangement.

Araghchi also said the conflict in Lebanon and wider regional fighting have become interconnected, making a unified settlement necessary. The foreign minister said the agreement effectively treats the US and Israel on one side, and Iran alongside Lebanon’s Hezbollah on the other, adding that the end of the war in Lebanon is inseparable from the broader ceasefire process.

Araghchi emphasised that the end of the war also required an end to the Israeli presence in the territories that the regime has occupied since escalating its aggression against Lebanon. The war was effectively declared over on Monday morning following finalisation of the memorandum, though it will formally enter into force upon signing on Friday.

He added that a new round of Iran-US negotiations is expected to begin the same day, aimed at reaching a longer-term settlement. According to him, the talks will move into a 60-day phase covering nuclear issues, sanctions relief, and other disputed matters after the initial ceasefire framework is signed.

He said the first phase focused on ending the war, the Strait of Hormuz, the US’s naval blockade of Iran’s ports and vessels, the release of Iranian frozen assets, reconstruction issues, and related matters, resulting in the MoU. Upon signing of the memorandum, negotiations will continue for 60 days to reach a comprehensive agreement, he added.

“In the final agreement, decisions will be made regarding nuclear issues and the lifting of sanctions,” Araghchi said. He also thanked Pakistan for its constructive role in facilitating mediation between Tehran and Washington.