Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has expressed solidarity with the resilient people of southern Lebanon, emphasizing their unwavering spirit against the Israeli military. In a message shared on his official X account, he praised their faith and determination. Concurrently, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced an extension of a ceasefire deal, established in November 2023, following consultations with key leaders and U.S. officials. An executive committee will oversee the ceasefire’s implementation, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Additionally, Lebanon has requested U.S. assistance to negotiate the release of individuals detained by Israel since October 2023.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s meeting marking the 1500th anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. He emphasized the Prophet’s teachings of compassion, justice, and kindness, urging the global community to embody these values. Araghchi condemned violence in Gaza, highlighting the Prophet’s message that killing an innocent person is akin to killing all humanity. He called for action to protect dignity and uphold justice, stressing the importance of respectful dialogue and cooperation across cultures. His address framed the anniversary as a call to action for future humanitarian efforts and the empowerment of the oppressed.
The ongoing violence in Gaza, despite a facade of a ceasefire, has led to significant casualties, with Palestinian estimates reporting around 70,000 deaths, including at least 20,000 children. Reports highlight the severe impact on children, with many suffering injuries, permanent disabilities, and psychological trauma. The destruction of infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, exacerbates the crisis. The international community’s response has been criticized as inadequate, particularly when compared to responses to other conflicts, revealing a disparity in support for refugees based on race and geography. Calls for accountability and action to protect Palestinian children’s rights are increasingly urgent.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed concerns about potential disruptions to U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, citing the Israeli regime and certain interest groups as possible saboteurs. He emphasized the history of Israeli tactics aimed at provoking Iran, stating that Iran’s security services are on high alert for sabotage and assassination attempts. Araqchi also warned of a misinformation campaign featuring exaggerated claims about Iran’s nuclear intentions, including misleading visuals of facilities. He stressed that Iran’s nuclear program is closely monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), underscoring the importance of vigilance to protect diplomatic efforts.
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In an exclusive Kyodo News interview, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted the extensive damage to Iran’s nuclear sites from attacks, describing them as a major violation of international law. He expressed Iran’s willingness to engage in nuclear negotiations with the U.S. if they are fair, but emphasized the deadlock due to U.S. demands for a complete halt to uranium enrichment. Araghchi also noted potential collaboration with Japan on nuclear safety, citing its experience with past nuclear crises. He remains skeptical about successful negotiations, urging the U.S. to recognize Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.