Iran tells Russia Israeli attacks on Lebanon 'must stop completely'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday that Israeli attacks on Lebanon "must stop completely," urging international pressure to halt the offensive amid diplomatic efforts to consolidate a fragile ceasefire. The two ministers discussed the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and regional developments during their phone conversation, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Araghchi briefed Lavrov on details of the accord and emphasized Washington's obligation to ensure its proper implementation, adding that Israel's assault on Lebanon must end entirely.

Russian Backing

Lavrov welcomed the finalization of the memorandum's text and expressed Moscow's full support for implementing its provisions, according to the ministry. The two ministers emphasized the need for the international community and the UN Security Council to back the understanding, noting that continued diplomatic cooperation among regional countries is essential to consolidate peace and stability.

Regional Fallout

Israel has been carrying out an offensive on Lebanon since March 2 that has left thousands killed and wounded and more than 1 million displaced, according to the latest official figures. Regional tensions have escalated since late February after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran killed more than 3,000 people, prompting Tehran to respond with strikes on Gulf countries and Israel as well as restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Washington and Tehran reached a temporary truce on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, with a framework agreement to end the conflict expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on July 19.