Iran to respond if Israel attacks Beirut, talks with US still ongoing: Araghchi
Tehran, June 4
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran would respond if Israel attacks Beirut, saying Tehran has informed all parties that it will not tolerate an assault on the Lebanese capital and that such a move could trigger a return to war.
In an interview broadcast by Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen on Wednesday (local time), Araghchi said Iran's armed forces are prepared to respond and remain ready to strike Israel if Beirut comes under attack.
Araghchi accused Israel of violating the ceasefire in both Iran and Lebanon in recent days, adding that Iran considers the fate of Lebanon and Iran inseparable in the current conflict, and that any ceasefire or settlement must encompass both countries, reports Xinhua news agency.
He said communications between Tehran and Washington have continued through exchanged messages, though no major progress has been made. He added that both sides are reviewing texts that have been exchanged and working toward a final formulation.
He reiterated that Iran seeks "peace and security based on dignity and honour" and does not seek war, stressing that Tehran has responded positively to requests for negotiations. However, he said Iran's armed forces are ready to resume military operations at any moment and possess the capability to sustain a long war.
Iran and the United States have, over the past weeks, reportedly exchanged several proposed plans outlining conditions for peace through Pakistan's mediation, and are working to finalise a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war.
However, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Monday that Tehran had halted the exchange of messages with Washington via mediation in protest against Israel's latest actions in Lebanon. Hours later, US President Donald Trump denied the report, saying US-Iran talks "are continuing at a rapid pace."
Earlier on Wednesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had carried out missile and drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, in retaliation for the overnight US attack on an IRGC communications tower on Iran's southern Qeshm Island.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's fascinating how Iran keeps talking about peace but also hints at their military readiness. That's classic diplomatic strategy. The reference to Pakistan mediating is interesting—we know how complex that relationship is. India has a lot to learn from this balancing act.
Honestly, I think Iran is bluffing here. They know a full-scale war with Israel and the US would destroy them economically. The IRGC attack on US bases was probably just a token show of force. But this constant back-and-forth is exhausting...
I'm Canadian but I've been following this closely. The fact that Pakistan is mediating speaks volumes about the shifting alliances in the region. India must be watching this tension very carefully given its own strategic interests.
Look at how much suffering is being ignored here! Iran talks about "peace based on dignity" but civilians always pay the price in these conflicts. I wish world powers would focus on humanitarian relief instead of playing chess with missiles. 😤
Indian perspective: This is exactly why India needs to maintain strong ties with all Middle Eastern powers. We can't afford to pick sides. Our energy security and the diaspora in both Iran and the Gulf states depend on regional stability. Smart diplomacy required!
The IRGC claiming they attacked US bases is extremely concerning
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