Ceasefire or War: Iran Puts Ball in US Court as Israel Attacks Lebanon

Iran has sharply raised pressure on the United States, warning that the fragile ceasefire could unravel if Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the terms of the US-Iran truce are “clear and explicit,” stressing that Washington must choose between upholding the ceasefire or allowing continued conflict through Israel’s military operations.,“The United States cannot have both,” Araghchi signalled, as tensions surged following Israel’s ongoing strikes in Lebanon., ,His remarks come amid growing controversy over the scope of the ceasefire. While the US and Iran agreed to a two-week pause in direct hostilities, Israel has continued its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, something Israeli officials say is not covered under the deal.,The United States has backed this interpretation, maintaining that the ceasefire applies only to direct US-Iran confrontation, not Israel’s parallel campaign, according to a report by Axios. ,However, Iran has consistently pushed for Lebanon to be included in any broader de-escalation framework, linking peace to a halt in Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.,Meanwhile, Israel has intensified operations, carrying out some of the heaviest strikes in decades, even as the ceasefire took effect.,Why Israel Is Still Bombing Lebanon Despite Truce,Israel has continued its military campaign in Lebanon, launching some of its deadliest strikes near Beirut, even as tensions between Washington and Tehran ease.,On Wednesday, Israeli forces carried out their heaviest bombardment of Lebanon since the conflict began last month, targeting over 100 Hezbollah command centres and military sites in Beirut.,The scale and intensity of the attacks have drawn comparisons to Israel’s 1982 invasion of Beirut, according to multiple reports.,The strikes reportedly came without warning, triggering panic across the city.

Residents fled the streets while motorists honked frantically to clear roads, according to AFP.,“I saw the blast, it was very strong. There were children killed, some with their hands cut off,” Yasser Abdallah, a Beirut shop worker, told AFP.,Ceasefire Does Not Cover Lebanon,Israeli officials have made it clear that the ceasefire with Iran does not extend to Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said military operations against Hezbollah would continue, while military spokesperson Avichay Adraee reiterated,“The battle in Lebanon continues, and the ceasefire does not include Lebanon.””,Israel, which backed US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt strikes on Iran, has maintained that its campaign in Lebanon is separate.,Meanwhile, Iran has warned it may reconsider the ceasefire if Israeli attacks persist.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi raised the issue of alleged violations in a call with Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, according to Iranian media.