Iran Blames US for Lebanon Strikes

Iran has condemned Israeli strikes in Lebanon, warning of broader consequences for regional peace and security, while directly blaming the United States for the escalation.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Washington is 'directly responsible' for the situation, linking the crisis to a recently signed US-Iran memorandum of understanding.

Referring to the agreement reached earlier this week, Baghaei said the understanding to halt hostilities across all fronts includes an inseparable requirement to stop the war in Lebanon as well.

He added that Iran will take 'all necessary measures' to protect its interests, security, and allies.

Earlier, Iran postponed a planned high-level strategic meeting with the United States in Switzerland on Friday, citing what it described as Israel’s continued violations of the ceasefire, according to sources cited by Pakistan’s government and reported by Anadolu.

The sources said Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had completed preparations to travel to Switzerland for direct talks with US representatives. However, the trip was canceled at the last minute on orders from Iran’s top leadership. 

Source: Reuters ( Adapted)