Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaie warned early Thursday that continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon would constitute a breach of the memorandum of understanding, and held the United States responsible for securing Israeli compliance. He stated that Iran does not separate the US from Israel, though noted differences in their methods.
In a statement released early Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaie warned that continued Israeli strikes on Lebanon would breach the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US and explicitly held Washington responsible for enforcing Israeli compliance. Baghaie said Iran does not separate the US from Israel, though differences in their methods are noted. The statement marks the third time Baghaie has issued a similar warning this week alone, now adding a direct call for US action to compel Israel.
Baghaie’s latest statement builds on a series of escalating Iranian warnings. On Wednesday, June 17, at 20:58 Jerusalem, he first warned that continued IDF operations in southern Lebanon constitute a MoU violation and that Tehran would take necessary measures. In a subsequent statement at 22:56 Jerusalem, he reiterated that continued operations would be considered a breach and promised a response. Earlier Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any Israeli attack on Lebanon or continued presence in occupied lands violates the MoU. As The Zioneer reported on Monday, June 15, Baghaie had already stated the US must ensure Israeli compliance and that Lebanon appears multiple times in the MoU. The same day, Araghchi told Turkish, Iraqi and Egyptian counterparts that the US bears responsibility for implementing the agreement.
The MoU, whose full text has not been published, reportedly covers a range of issues. As The Zioneer has reported, unverified provisions include sanctions relief and continued Iranian nuclear activity during talks, with nuclear negotiations set to begin within 60 days of signing. The agreement appears to link the Lebanon front directly to US commitments, a point Iran has consistently pressed since reports of the deal first emerged.
Baghaie did not specify what Iranian countermeasures would entail. The precise provisions of the MoU regarding Lebanon remain unverified, and it is unclear whether the US has responded to the Iranian demand to enforce Israeli compliance.
5 developments
- StrongIran warns US must enforce Lebanon ceasefire obligations from MoU
- StrongIran's Araghchi: any Israeli strike on Lebanon or remaining in occupied lands breaches MoU
- DevelopingIran: US must enforce Israeli compliance with agreement; 60-day nuclear talks set
- StrongIran's Araghchi tells Turkey, Iraq, Egypt: US responsible for enforcing deal, Israel must halt Lebanon strikes
Source and signal
- Internal intake