In a strongly worded phone conversation, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Lebanon’s Speaker Nabih Berri united in fierce criticism of Israel’s ‘aggressive’ operations against Lebanon, describing the southern assaults as outright cruel.
Their talks covered the precarious situation in West Asia, Iran-US negotiations, and mutual interests, but the core focus remained on Israel’s relentless attacks. Thousands lie dead or injured, neighborhoods lie in ruins, infrastructure crippled, and displacement surges—prompting an urgent plea for global powers to intervene and stop the carnage.
Both agreed to maintain close consultations, a vital lifeline amid chaos. Araghchi linked curbing Israeli actions to the Iran-US truce, vowing to champion Lebanon’s cause in upcoming diplomacy.
Berri stressed the imperative of holding Israel responsible, a sentiment resonating deeply in Beirut. The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, activated post-midnight April 16-17 after prolonged skirmishes, was extended by Trump from 10 days to three weeks on April 23, but fragile peace teeters.
Araghchi separately warned Swiss FM Ignazio Cassis that threats to shipping routes like Hormuz result from US-Israel belligerence. Cassis reiterated Switzerland’s diplomatic push for conflict resolution.
The US Embassy in Lebanon backed a prospective Aoun-Netanyahu summit, a glimmer of hope in dark times.
Flashback to February 28: Israel-US airstrikes hammered Iranian targets, felling Khamenei and others, sparking Iran’s fierce counterstrikes on bases and a Hormuz clampdown. April 8 ceasefire followed, Islamabad talks faltered, and US blockade ensued.
These exchanges signal deepening Iran-Lebanon ties against common foes, as the world grapples with escalating Middle East flashpoints. Stakeholders urge restraint, but rhetoric hardens, risking wider war.
