Iran sets two conditions on Israel for a cease-fire

The week that is coming to an end began with an escalation of tensions in the Middle East: the Israeli ground invasion in southern Lebanon and the air attack with nearly 200 missiles by Iran against Israel. Events that have implied, speaking of the latter, a more direct inclusion of Tehran in the conflict.

This was its response to the assassination, last July, of Ismail Haniya, while he was at his residence in Tehran. The Iranian retaliation finally came after Israel began an all-out campaign against Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon. That came first with exploding pagers and walkie-talkies and then an ariel bombardment of positions inside of Lebanon.

Now, therefore, Israel has two open fronts, those of the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, with Iran awaiting possible retaliation after this week’s air strikes. But, on the other hand, they claim to be ready for a cease-fire in both territories.

And that is one of the conditions imposed Friday by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for a cease-fire: that it takes place “simultaneously” in the Gaza Strip and in Lebanon. “We support efforts to achieve a cease-fire that includes, first, respect for the rights of the Lebanese people and acceptance of Hezbollah’s resistance, and second, a cease-fire to be proclaimed simultaneously with a cease-fire in Gaza.”

Araghchi, during a meeting in Beirut with the interim Prime Minister of Lebanon, Nayib Mikati, expressed his support for the resistance against the “Zionist regime” of Israel. A meeting that he described as “useful and good”. In it, he added, he said that they are on Lebanon’s side and that they will ensure that “the crimes come to an end. The Lebanese nation will win.”

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Attack on Israel

On the other hand, the Iranian politician referred to the attack carried out this week against Hebrew soil, assuring that it “was not initiated by Iran, but was a response to the Israeli invasion of Iranian territory when Israeli forces attacked the country’s embassy in Damascus”.

He also makes a difference with Israel, which he accuses of “attacking civilian targets and people in their homes”. In the case of Iran, he adds, “we only attack military bases and facilities of the regime”. Finally, he has assured that in case Tel Aviv takes measures against Iran, there will be a “forceful, proportional and fully calculated” response.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ballistic missile barrage by Iran was “a big mistake” and has vowed that Iran “will pay for it.” Officials for the Tel Aviv government have said that a  “significant retaliation” that Israeli officials say will come within a matter of days could include strikes on Iranian oil production according to Axios.