Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday sharply criticised the United States, warning that allowing Israel to continue its offensive in Lebanon could derail the fragile regional ceasefire.
Calling such a scenario “dumb,” Araghchi said Washington risks undermining diplomacy by backing Israeli military action even as the truce struggles to hold.
“A region-wide ceasefire, incl in Lebanon, would hasten his jailing,” Araghchi wrote on X, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose corruption trial is set to resume on Sunday. He suggested the Israeli leader may have an incentive to prolong the conflict.
He followed up with a direct message to the US, which has denied that Lebanon is covered under the ceasefire.
“If the US wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it,” he said.
The remarks mirror comments by US Vice President JD Vance, who had earlier warned against allowing the ceasefire to collapse over Lebanon.
Ceasefire faultline widens over Lebanon
Since the ceasefire was announced earlier this week, disagreement over its scope, especially whether it includes Lebanon, has emerged as a major point of tension.
Iran has maintained that the truce applies to Lebanon and the broader “Axis of Resistance,” while the US position differs, raising the risk of a breakdown.
Iranian officials have also signalled possible responses if Israeli strikes continue, including military retaliation or moves affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.
Strikes intensify despite calls for restraint
Even as diplomatic messaging continues, the situation on the ground shows little sign of de-escalation.
US President Donald Trump said he had spoken to Netanyahu and urged restraint. “I spoke with Bibi, and he’s going to low-key it,” Trump said, adding that operations needed to be “a little more low-key.”
Vance also said Israel had agreed to “check themselves a little bit in Lebanon.”
However, Israeli strikes have continued. The death toll from the recent bombardment has crossed 300, marking one of the deadliest phases of the conflict.
On Thursday, Israeli attacks included a strike that killed four rescuers in the southern town of Borj Qalaouiye. Fresh evacuation orders were also issued for Beirut’s Jnah area, which houses major hospitals and large civilian populations.
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