Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that Washington bears full commitment and responsibility for ending hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon. The remarks came during a telephonic conversation with Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, as reported by Al Jazeera.
US Responsibility for Ceasefire
Araghchi emphasized that any breach of the digitally signed Memorandum of Understanding between Tehran and Washington would be attributed directly to the United States. He further warned of the consequences and repercussions of such actions, according to Al Jazeera.
Ceasefire Agreement Collapses
The reported ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the United States and Qatar, took effect on Friday but has effectively collapsed following rapid escalation of violence. Despite international efforts, the truce has been marked by mutual accusations of violations and intense military exchanges.
According to a senior US official speaking to The Times of Israel, the agreement was secured through rigorous mediation by the US and Qatar, who facilitated high-stakes communication channels with Israel and Iran respectively. A senior Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire but warned of repercussions if Hezbollah attacks Israel, stating, then we are in wartime. Israeli Defense Forces troops will remain stationed in the southern Lebanon buffer zone as a precautionary measure.
US-Iran MoU Finalized
On Wednesday, the United States and Iran finalized a 14-point memorandum of understanding to end a nearly four-month-long conflict that had disrupted global energy supplies. The agreement was signed digitally by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Versailles, France. Iran committed to reopening the strait for commercial traffic, with transit capacity expected to be restored within 30 days and toll-free passage for the initial 60-day negotiation period.
However, scheduled in-person technical talks in Switzerland between the two nations were postponed as of Friday amid ongoing regional tensions. The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed the postponement, stating that Switzerland remains ready to facilitate the talks and that preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing.
