BEIRUT:Iran has expressed its support for any decision Lebanon takes regarding ceasefire negotiations with Israel, signaling Tehran’s preference for ending the ongoing conflict that has severely impacted its ally, Hezbollah.
During a meeting in Beirut, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized the need to halt Israeli aggression and enforce UN Resolution 1701, calling for support for Lebanon’s stance. Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official, reaffirmed Iran’s backing for any decision by Lebanon’s government, including compliance with the resolution.
When asked at a press conference if his visit was intended to undermine the US truce plan, Larijani stated: “We are not looking to sabotage anything. We are seeking solutions to the problems.” He added, “We fully support the Lebanese government. The ones causing disruptions are Netanyahu and his people,” referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel has continued its airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs, destroying buildings for the fourth consecutive day. These strikes have intensified amid progress in US-led efforts to broker a ceasefire. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes leveled five buildings, including one near the busy Tayouneh junction. Video footage showed rubble strewn across Horsh Beirut, the city’s main park.
The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hezbollah munitions depots, headquarters, and other facilities, often issuing warnings before the strikes.
Meanwhile, two senior Lebanese political figures disclosed that the US ambassador to Lebanon presented a draft ceasefire proposal to Nabih Berri, the parliament speaker supported by Hezbollah for negotiations. Berri met with Larijani on Friday. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen suggested on Thursday that prospects for a ceasefire were the most promising since the conflict began.
Reports indicate Netanyahu is eager to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, potentially offering an early foreign policy achievement for US President-elect Donald Trump.
A senior diplomat, speaking anonymously, expressed cautious optimism but noted that more time was needed. While the outgoing US administration remains focused on brokering a Lebanon ceasefire, efforts to end the Gaza conflict have stalled.
International powers stress that any Lebanon ceasefire must align with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war. The resolution requires Hezbollah to move its fighters and weapons north of the Litani River, about 20 km from the border. Israel insists on retaining the right to act if Hezbollah breaches the agreement, a condition Lebanon opposes.
Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah began in September after nearly a year of cross-border hostilities parallel to the Gaza conflict. The offensive aims to allow displaced Israelis to return to northern Israel, where Hezbollah’s attacks forced evacuations. Over a million Lebanese have been displaced, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
Israel claims significant losses for Hezbollah, including the alleged death of its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and other commanders. Despite this, Hezbollah continues to launch rocket attacks and engage Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported an artillery shell striking its West Sector headquarters in southern Lebanon without exploding. Israel pledged to investigate after protests from Italy, whose personnel were affected. Separately, a French UN peacekeeper died in a road accident, and the EU condemned the killing of 12 paramedics in an Israeli strike near Baalbek.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,445 people since October 7, including civilians and fighters. Israel stated that Hezbollah attacks over the past year have caused around 100 deaths among civilians and soldiers in northern Israel, the Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon.
The European Union strongly criticized attacks on medical workers, calling them severe violations of international humanitarian law. Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, condemned the incidents and reiterated the importance of protecting healthcare facilities and personnel in conflict zones.