Israeli strikes in Lebanon 'grave violation' of ceasefire, Iran minister tells BBC
Why it matters: The dispute over the ceasefire's scope and Iran's Strait of Hormuz warning could escalate conflict in the Middle East.
- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told the BBC that Israeli strikes in Lebanon were a "grave violation" of the US-Iran ceasefire, claiming Lebanon was covered by the agreement.
- The US and Israel dispute Iran's assertion that Lebanon is included in the two-week ceasefire deal.
- The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 203 people were killed in Wednesday's Israeli air strikes, which Israel stated targeted Hezbollah command centers.
- Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel overnight in response to what it called ceasefire violations and threatened to continue attacks until "Israeli-American aggression" ends.
- Khatibzadeh claimed Hezbollah had "abided" by the ceasefire and sent a "crystal clear" message to the White House: "you cannot have cake and eat it at the same time."
- Iran warned that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission "would be targeted and destroyed," despite the ceasefire, arguing the strait comprises its and Oman's territorial waters.
An Iranian minister claims Israeli strikes in Lebanon violate a US-Iran ceasefire, a claim disputed by the US and Israel, while Hezbollah vows continued attacks. The minister also stated Iran would only allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz with its permission, despite the ceasefire.
