Iran Backs Any Ceasefire Agreement Accepted by Lebanon: Speaker
Geneva, Switzerland– Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has declared Iran’s supportfor any ceasefire agreement that the Lebanese government and parliament agree to. This statement, made during the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Unionin Geneva on October 14th, signals Iran’s willingness to play a role in de-escalating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
I want to say that Iran will support any ceasefire (agreement) that the Lebanese government and parliament publicly support, Ghalibaf stated, according to reports from TASS and the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA).
Thisdeclaration comes amidst a tense situation in southern Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks have been escalating since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7th. The conflict was triggered by a cross-border incursion by Hezbollah fighters into Israel,leading to a retaliatory Israeli military response.
While the conflict has been characterized by heavy bombardment and retaliatory strikes, there have been signs of a possible path towards a ceasefire. On October 8th, Naim Qassem, the deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah, expressed support for the efforts of Lebanese Parliament Speaker NabihBerri to facilitate a ceasefire. Qassem indicated that Hezbollah was open to discussing the details of a ceasefire if it could be achieved through diplomatic channels. However, he warned that if Israel continued its military operations, the conflict would be resolved on the battlefield.
Hezbollah has maintained that its military capabilities have not beensignificantly weakened and that it has effectively stalled Israeli attempts to advance into southern Lebanon.
Ghalibaf’s statement appears to be a significant development in the ongoing conflict, signaling Iran’s willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities. Iran, a key ally of Hezbollah, has consistently provided political and military supportto the Lebanese group. While Iran has not explicitly called for a ceasefire, its support for any agreement reached by the Lebanese government and parliament suggests a potential shift in its stance.
This statement also highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region. While Iran is a key player in the conflict, it is not the soledecision-maker. The Lebanese government and parliament, as well as the international community, will also play crucial roles in determining the outcome of the conflict and any potential ceasefire agreement.
International Reactions and Implications
The international community has been closely watching the developments in the conflict, with many expressing concerns about the potential forescalation and the humanitarian consequences of the fighting. The United States, a close ally of Israel, has condemned Hezbollah’s attacks and has provided military aid to Israel. However, the US has also called for a de-escalation of the conflict and has urged both sides to engage in diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire.
The European Union has also called for a ceasefire and has expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Lebanon. The EU has also imposed sanctions on Hezbollah and has called for the group to disarm.
The United Nations has also been actively involved in efforts to de-escalate the conflict. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for a ceasefire and has urged all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Future Prospects
The future of the conflict remains uncertain. While Ghalibaf’s statement suggests a potential path towards a ceasefire, it is unclear whether all parties will be willing to accept a ceasefireagreement. Hezbollah has previously shown a willingness to engage in conflict for extended periods, and Israel has indicated that it will continue its military operations until it achieves its objectives.
The international community will likely play a crucial role in facilitating a ceasefire agreement. The UN, the US, and the EU all have a vested interest inending the conflict and preventing further escalation. However, it is unclear whether these actors will be able to exert sufficient pressure on the parties to the conflict to reach a negotiated settlement.
The conflict in Lebanon has highlighted the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and the challenges of achieving lasting peace in the region. The outcome of the conflictand any potential ceasefire agreement will have significant implications for the stability of the region and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Views: 0