Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told BBC, a partner network of CBS News, that Israel’s attacks on Lebanon on Wednesday were “a grave violation” of the ceasefire agreement. He added that the U.S. must make a choice “between war and ceasefire – you cannot have both at the same time.”
“You cannot call for a ceasefire and then set conditions, specify the areas where the ceasefire applies, name Lebanon specifically, and then witness your ally starting a massacre,” Khatibzadeh stated. When asked if Iran would instruct Hezbollah, its proxy group in Lebanon, to stop launching rockets into Israel, Khatibzadeh replied, “It is evident that Hezbollah is a purely Lebanese freedom movement.”
While not denying that Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers assist in training and arming Hezbollah fighters, Khatibzadeh clarified that “they are not acting on our behalf.” He emphasized that the agreement between the U.S. and Iran extends to each country and their allies.
Despite Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, Khatibzadeh affirmed that Iran is still focused on reaching an agreement. Regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz, Khatibzadeh assured, “We will ensure safe passage once the United States ends its aggression.”
He mentioned Iran’s plans to establish a protocol with Oman and the international community for safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz. Khatibzadeh emphasized the importance of energy security for Iran and the Persian Gulf region, stating, “We will comply with international norms and laws. If a new protocol guarantees everlasting peace in this waterway under safe passage, we agree. However, safety should be mutual.”
Expressing doubts about the likelihood of a final peace agreement with the U.S., Khatibzadeh suggested that Tehran believes Washington may be exhausting diplomatic avenues while planning to resort to military action or imposing terms without compromise.
