Iran Declares Israeli Strikes in Lebanon a 'Grave Violation' of Ceasefire

Thu Apr 09 2026 14:47:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Iran's comments escalate tensions as the Lebanese health ministry reports over 200 deaths from recent Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah sites.

In an escalating exchange following Israel's strikes on Lebanon, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh condemned these actions as a severe breach of a ceasefire agreement, highlighting the dire humanitarian consequences. The Lebanese health ministry reported over 200 fatalities, prompting accusations of a massacre by Israel, while Hezbollah vowed to retaliate against further aggression. The complexities of the ceasefire remain contentious, with the U.S. and Iran at odds over compliance and interpretation of the agreement.

An Iranian minister has told the BBC that Israeli strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday constituted a grave violation of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement.

Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh mentioned that Lebanon was included in the two-week deal agreed on Tuesday, a point disputed by the US and Israel. He emphasized that the US must decide between war and ceasefire.

The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 203 people were killed as a result of these air strikes targeting what Israel labeled as Hezbollah command centres and military sites.

When asked if Tehran would call for Hezbollah to cease its rocket fire towards Israel, Khatibzadeh claimed that the Iranian-backed group had abided by the ceasefire.

In retaliation, Hezbollah announced it had targeted Israel overnight, citing ceasefire violations, and threatened ongoing attacks until Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon ends.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Khatibzadeh stated that Iran had sent a crystal clear warning to the White House, arguing the impossibility of demanding a ceasefire while allowing attacks to continue.

He expressed skepticism about achieving a long-term understanding with the US, accusing Washington of using negotiations as a smokescreen for military action. As tensions amplify, discussions about safety protocols for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are emerging, with implications for global oil transport.