Iran has issued a stark warning that Israeli military operations in Lebanon could unravel the fragile ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States. The statement, delivered by Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, accused Israel of “systematic violations” of the truce, which was intended to halt cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
The ceasefire, brokered in November, had brought a temporary halt to the most significant escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border since the 2006 war. However, recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon have raised tensions. Kanaani said that these actions “directly threaten the stability of the region and the integrity of the diplomatic process.”
Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, has significant influence over the group’s military and political decisions. Tehran’s warning comes as the United States presses for a broader de-escalation across the Middle East, including efforts to contain the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The Biden administration has sought to prevent a multi-front war that could draw in Iran and its proxies.
Israeli officials have defended the strikes as necessary responses to Hezbollah’s ongoing military build-up and violations of the ceasefire terms. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel “will not tolerate any aggression” and reserved the right to self-defence. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has denied any breaches, claiming that the group remains committed to the truce as long as Israel reciprocates.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has called for restraint on both sides. In a statement, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said the peacekeeping mission “is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation” and urged all parties to uphold their obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war.
Analysts suggest that the collapse of the ceasefire would represent a major diplomatic failure for the United States, which had invested significant political capital in the deal. The agreement was seen as a rare success in Washington’s efforts to stabilise the region without direct military involvement. A return to hostilities could also complicate US-Iranian negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme, which have been ongoing in Vienna.
Iran’s warning is likely to increase pressure on Washington to rein in its ally, though the Biden administration has thus far expressed support for Israel’s security concerns. The State Department said it was “monitoring the situation closely” and urged “maximum restraint” without explicitly condemning the strikes.
For now, the ceasefire holds by a thread. But with each new airstrike, the risk of a wider conflagration grows. The region watches, waiting for the next move.
