Iran Warns Israel: Continued Lebanon Occupation Could Void US Deal

Iran has issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that its continued military presence in southern Lebanon constitutes a violation of a US-Iran understanding and could lead to the agreement's cancellation. Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Tehran interprets the guarantees within the agreement to include not only a cessation of hostilities but also a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from any occupied Lebanese territory.

"As long as the occupation continues, it can be said that the war is still ongoing and, in essence, has not ended," Baghaei stated in an interview with Lebanese publication Al Akhbar. He reiterated Iran's initial demand for a "complete and on all fronts" ceasefire. The Iranian official cautioned that maintaining an Israeli military presence in a so-called "security zone" in Lebanon would breach the commitments made, rendering the memorandum of understanding "null."

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As long as the occupation continues, it can be said that the war is still ongoing and, in essence, has not ended.

Baghaei further clarified that the next phase of discussions between Iran and the United States, aimed at reaching a final agreement, is contingent upon the full implementation of the memorandum's provisions. For Lebanon, this means the "total cessation of hostilities and the end of the Israeli occupation."

In parallel, the Israeli military announced it is maintaining its positions in southern Lebanon, with an IDF officer stating the army will continue to act against identified "threats" beyond its controlled perimeter. Israeli military officials have published a map indicating an expanded occupied zone along Lebanon's southern border, extending beyond the Litani River. The Lebanese National News Agency (ANN) reported recent Israeli violations of the understanding, including an attack that resulted in a death shortly after the memorandum's effective date.

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In this case, the memorandum of understanding would be considered null.