Iran Accuses US and Israel of Violating Ceasefire Framework Amid Escalating Conflict in Lebanon
Iran's Strong Accusations Against US and Israel
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament, has leveled serious accusations against the United States and Israel, claiming they have breached critical aspects of a proposed framework aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, even before formal discussions have commenced. In a pointed statement, Ghalibaf highlighted that three components of Iran's '10-point proposal' have already been violated. He referenced an understanding relayed by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, indicating that any ceasefire would also apply to Lebanon.
Furthermore, Ghalibaf condemned an 'intruding drone' that entered Iranian airspace, labeling it a 'clear violation' of a clause that prohibits such incursions. He also criticized the US for its refusal to acknowledge Iran's 'right to enrichment,' which contradicts a fundamental provision of the proposal. 'The very workable basis for negotiations has been openly violated before talks even began. Under these circumstances, pursuing a bilateral ceasefire or negotiations seems unreasonable,' Ghalibaf stated.
He pointed out that the initial clause concerning a ceasefire in Lebanon has already been compromised. Ghalibaf reiterated that the drone incident breached another significant condition, while Washington's position on uranium enrichment violated the sixth clause of the framework. His comments come as the White House insists that halting all uranium enrichment remains a 'red line' for President Donald Trump, complicating any potential diplomatic solutions.
Casualties Rise in Lebanon Amid Israeli Strikes
Israeli Strikes Kill 254 In Lebanon
The accusations arise during a period of intense conflict in Lebanon. Reports from Lebanon's Civil Defence indicate that Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 254 fatalities and over 1,165 injuries nationwide. The most severe impact occurred in Beirut, where 92 individuals lost their lives and 742 were injured. The southern suburbs of the capital also faced heavy casualties, with 61 deaths and 200 injuries reported.
Other regions affected include Baalbek (18 dead, 28 injured), Hermel (9 dead, 6 injured), Nabatieh (28 dead, 59 injured), Aley District (17 dead, 6 injured), Sidon (12 dead, 56 injured), and Tyre (17 dead, 68 injured). Lebanon's Civil Defence reported that Israeli strikes targeted densely populated commercial and residential areas in central Beirut without prior warning, just hours after a ceasefire was announced in the US-Israel conflict regarding Iran.
Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine characterized the situation as a 'dangerous escalation,' noting that Israel has conducted 'more than 100 air strikes' across the nation. Both the US and Israel have asserted that Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire agreement between the conflicting parties.