Iran Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon, Supports Country’s Right to Defend Itself

Tehran: Iran has strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on southern Lebanon, calling them a threat to regional peace and urging the international community to hold Tel Aviv accountable.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday, a day after Israeli warplanes targeted the towns of Kfar Dounin, Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, Ayta al-Jabal, Taybeh, and Tayr Debba, killing at least one person and injuring nine others. Iran described the attacks as illegal, criminal, and destructive, noting that they have harmed civilians and damaged infrastructure since the 2024 ceasefire.

Iran said the strikes, carried out with US support, aim to undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and development. The ministry expressed condolences to Lebanon for the loss of lives and reaffirmed Iran’s solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, including support for their legitimate resistance against Israeli aggression.

Israeli authorities said the attacks targeted Hezbollah military sites, but Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes as a “crime under international law,” noting that Israel is escalating aggression even as Lebanon seeks peaceful negotiations.

The airstrikes follow an open letter from Hezbollah, which reaffirmed its commitment to the 2024 ceasefire but emphasized its right to armed resistance against Israel. Since the ceasefire began in November 2024, Israel has repeatedly violated it, carrying out near-daily strikes on Lebanon.

Palestinian groups including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Resistance Committees also condemned the attacks and expressed full solidarity with Lebanon, calling on the UN and Arab nations to act. Yemen’s Ansarullah movement criticized the Lebanese government’s weak response and expressed support for Lebanon’s army, people, and resistance groups.

A Western diplomat in Beirut warned that continued Israeli strikes could provoke a strong military response from Hezbollah, as frustration is growing among the group and its supporters. Analysts say Israel’s attacks are meant to pressure Hezbollah into disarmament, which the movement has refused, calling it political blackmail.

Hezbollah has stressed that no talks on disarmament can happen until Israel stops the strikes and fully respects Lebanon’s sovereignty.