Iran welcomes Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, calls for stability in Lebanon
Iran has expressed support for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which took effect early Wednesday morning.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the development as a positive step toward restoring stability in Lebanon.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, ended over a year of hostilities across the Israeli-Lebanese border that claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more. US President Joe Biden announced the agreement, describing it as a “permanent cessation of hostilities.”
Shortly after the ceasefire, streams of displaced Lebanese civilians began returning to their southern homes, Reuters reported. While bursts of gunfire were heard across Beirut, it was unclear whether they were celebratory or warnings issued by Israel’s military.
The ceasefire includes Israel’s gradual withdrawal over 60 days, during which the Lebanese army will deploy at least 5,000 troops to southern Lebanon to ensure Hezbollah’s military infrastructure is not re-established.
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the deal as the result of “months of effort,” while Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati called it a “fundamental step toward stability.”
Although Hezbollah has not officially commented, senior official Hassan Fadlallah declared the group’s position on Lebanon’s Al Jadeed TV.
Fadlallah asserted that the ceasefire strengthens Hezbollah, claiming, “Thousands will join the resistance.” He dismissed suggestions of disarming the group, framing such proposals as Israeli failures.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized readiness to enforce the ceasefire but warned of retaliation against any violations.
He highlighted that the agreement allows Israel to redirect its focus toward Iran while replenishing military supplies and isolating Hamas in Gaza.
