Iran warns of response after Israeli strike on Beirut, says "violation of red lines will not be tolerated"
Tehran, June 15
Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr on Sunday warned that a response was forthcoming following Israel's strike on Beirut, asserting that any violation of the Islamic Republic's "red lines" would not be tolerated.
According to Iran's state-affiliated Press TV, Zolghadr said, "A response is ahead," while emphasising that the "unity of fronts has created a security chain in defence of the region." He further stressed the importance of Lebanon to Iran, stating that "Lebanon is our life, and violating the Islamic Republic's red lines will not be tolerated."
The remarks came after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) carried out what it described as a "precise strike" on a Hezbollah command centre in Beirut's Dahieh area on Sunday. The Israeli military said the operation was conducted in response to the launch of aerial targets toward Israeli territory earlier in the day.
In a statement on Telegram, the IDF said the targeted facility was being used by Hezbollah operatives to coordinate and advance attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers stationed in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah also claimed that it had conducted a drone strike targeting a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the southern Lebanese town of Qantara.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also criticised the Israeli strike, saying the attack on Beirut "should not have happened" at a time when efforts to secure a peace agreement with Iran were nearing completion.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.
"This morning's attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran," Trump said, while reiterating Israel's right to self-defence but describing the triggering incident as "very small and meaningless."
The US President expressed optimism that a peace agreement with Iran could soon be signed, describing it as a key step toward preventing nuclear proliferation and bringing long-term stability to West Asia. He also called for an end to attacks by both Israel and Hezbollah, saying the region stood on the brink of a potentially historic breakthrough.
Despite Trump's criticism, a CNN report cited an Israeli source as saying that Israel had informed the United States in advance about the Beirut operation and had prepared for the possibility of retaliation from Iran.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting how the US president criticizes its ally while pushing for a deal with Iran. Peace is obviously better than war, but can Trump actually deliver? India has strong ties with both Israel and Iran—this is a diplomatic tightrope for us. We need stability in West Asia for our energy security and our diaspora's safety.
This is just another day in the endless cycle of violence in the Middle East. Iran supports Hezbollah, Israel strikes back, civilians suffer. India should be calling for restraint from all sides, not picking favorites. We've seen enough bloodshed in Kashmir to know that military solutions don't bring lasting peace.
Trump calling an Israeli strike 'small and meaningless' is insulting to the people of Beirut who live in fear every day. Iran's 'red lines' are just political theater—they've violated UN resolutions for years. Meanwhile, India's strategic autonomy means we must balance ties with Israel (defense partner) and Iran (Chabahar port, energy). It's a tough juggling act. 😏
As an Indian, I find this whole situation troubling. Iran's rhetoric about 'unity of fronts' only fuels more conflict. Hezbollah is a designated terrorist group in many countries, including India. But Israel's strike on Beirut also risks civilian casualties. Both sides need to think about people caught in the middle. Diplomacy should be the focus, not sabre-rattling.
Trump's peace deal optimism is laughable given his own administration's track record in the region. The Israel-Hezbollah-Iran triangle is a powder keg
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.