By Ginika Igboke
Iran’s foreign minister has reaffirmed support for the country’s Lebanese ally Hezbollah and said that any wider resolution to tensions involving the United States would require Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
“This war will end only when it ends in Lebanon as well,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen late Thursday.
He said the end of hostilities in Lebanon must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas they currently occupy in the south.
“The end of the war on Lebanon must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they have occupied,” Araghchi said.
Ongoing Israel–Hezbollah Fighting Amid Regional Tensions
The comments come as negotiations continue between Tehran and Washington amid a fragile and sometimes uncertain ceasefire arrangement.
Since the escalation of the U.S.–Iran conflict, Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah have exchanged repeated strikes, while Israeli forces have also conducted operations in southern Lebanon.
The latest phase of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began in March, shortly after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Hezbollah said its operations were carried out in support of Tehran.
Israel has continued military activity in southern Lebanon, saying it will not withdraw or halt operations, while Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli troops in the south on Friday.
Iran Calls for Israeli Withdrawal
Alongside the foreign minister’s remarks, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reiterated calls for Israel to halt its military operations in Lebanon and withdraw its forces, according to state-run Tasnim News.
The IRGC echoed Tehran’s position that the cessation of hostilities depends on Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Trump Comments on Efforts to End Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he sees signs of progress in efforts to reduce tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump described the conflict as longstanding and difficult to resolve, but suggested diplomatic efforts were moving forward.
“That’s been going on for a long time,” he said. “For years and years… I said, ‘Let’s get this settled.’ Not that easy.”
Disputed Naval Incident in the Gulf of Oman
Iranian naval forces also claimed they fired warning shots at U.S. vessels in the Gulf of Oman, causing them to retreat. The claim was quickly denied by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Iran’s navy said it could use longer-range missiles if necessary, warning of potential escalation.
CENTCOM responded that Iranian forces “did NOT attack or fire at U.S. Navy warships,” calling the claim false and stating that U.S. forces continue to operate freely in regional waters.
Indirect Talks Continue Between Washington and Tehran
The United States and Iran remain engaged in largely indirect negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further escalation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said earlier in the week that talks are ongoing, while U.S. officials, including Trump, have disputed claims that diplomatic communication has been halted.
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