Overview
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran does not seek war but will retaliate if the United States or Israel attacks again, calling past strikes a failed strategy.
- He reiterated readiness for negotiations with Washington over Iran’s nuclear program provided talks are based on mutual respect rather than U.S. dictation.
- Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of direct involvement in Iran’s nationwide protests and cited public statements by U.S. figures, as rights monitors report dozens killed and thousands detained.
- During the Beirut visit, Araghchi met senior Lebanese officials and business leaders, pushing to expand trade and to reactivate the Iran–Lebanon Joint Economic Commission.
- Lebanon’s army reported completing the first phase of disarming Hezbollah in the South Litani region, as Israel said the efforts were insufficient and struck alleged Hezbollah sites in the country’s south.