JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is seeking direct negotiations with Beirut, following a wave of heavy bombardments in Lebanon that left more than 300 people dead and put a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran at risk.
U.S. President Donald Trump had announced a truce in the six-week-long conflict with Iran late Tuesday, just hours before a deadline after which he had warned of severe consequences.
Meanwhile, in Islamabad, authorities tightened security ahead of the first round of U.S.-Iran negotiations. However, tensions remain high as Iran has yet to ease its near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has severely disrupted global energy supplies. Tehran cited continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon as a major obstacle to de-escalation.
In a strongly worded statement, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed a firm response, pledging to avenge the deaths of his father, Ali Khamenei, and others killed in the conflict. He also warned that Iran would take its control of the Strait of Hormuz “into a new phase.”
The statement, broadcast on state television, underscored Iran’s position that those responsible for attacks on its territory would not go unpunished, and that compensation would be sought for all damages incurred.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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