Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, Iran has issued a stark warning to Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has threatened to back Lebanon’s Hezbollah if Israel continues its military strikes against the country. Speaking to reporters ahead of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, Araqchi expressed grave concern about the situation, stating that the region is on the verge of a “full-scale catastrophe.” He stressed that Iran would support Hezbollah “by all means” if the fighting continues. “The region is on the brink of a full-scale catastrophe. If unchecked, the world will face catastrophic consequences,” he warned. The Iranian diplomat made it clear that his country would “stand with the people of Lebanon by all means.”
Araqchi also accused Israel of crossing “all red lines” and called on the UNSC to intervene in the conflict. His statements came as France proposed a 21-day ceasefire plan between Israel and Lebanon at the UNSC meeting.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara, boarded a plane bound for New York to attend the UN meeting. Netanyahu is expected to defend Israel’s actions in Southern Lebanon at the UN. He remained silent as journalists posed questions before boarding the plane. According to The Times of Israel, Foreign Minister Israel Katz will be Netanyahu’s stand-in while the Israeli premier is away, and will have the authority to convene a security cabinet in case of an emergency. Netanyahu has already held a security cabinet meeting to address the escalating conflict with Hezbollah before departing for New York.
France’s call for a 21-day temporary ceasefire comes amidst the escalating chaos in the region. While reports suggest the US has been obstructing these efforts, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told the UNSC that the plans were discussed with the US. The plan was proposed as UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that “hell is breaking loose” in the country, and the UK foreign secretary called for an immediate ceasefire. The US has not endorsed a joint statement on the ceasefire. This French initiative highlights the growing tension between the US and its European allies over how to approach the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The US deputy envoy, Robert Wood, has stated that Washington’s plans will be revealed in the coming days, and will require a real and effective mechanism enforcing the blue line, the UN-drawn provisional border between Israel and Lebanon. “We are working with other countries on a proposal that we hope will lead to calm, discussions and diplomatic solutions,” he said.
In response, Araqchi accused the US and UK of giving Israel “carte blanche for all sorts of sinister behaviour” due to their “unwavering support” for Israel. He also asserted that, “Without a ceasefire in Gaza there will be no guarantee for peace in the region,” and called for the UN security council to take decisive action. “The international community cannot afford to remain silent … the UN security council … must shoulder its responsibility and respond decisively.”
