Iran threatens to support Hezbollah 'with all means' if Israel continues to attack Lebanon

Amid the brewing tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas  Araghchi threatened to back Lebanon’s Hezbollah, if Israel continued striking the country. While speaking to the reporter ahead of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, Araqchi warned that the region is facing a “full-scale catastrophe”.

He made it clear that Iran will support the Lebanese group “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 told the reporters outside the UN building. The Iranian diplomat made it clear that his country would “stand with the people of Lebanon by all means.” Araghchi also claimed that Israel has crossed “all red lines” and called the UNSC to intervene in this regard.

The proclamation from the Iranian official came as France pushed a 21-day ceasefire plan between Israel and Lebanon at the UNSC meeting.

Netanyahu emplanes for New York in a bid to defend himself 

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boards the Wing of Zion with his wife Sara for his trip to the United Nations. While several journalists posed many questions, the couple did not respond to any of them before boarding the plane. Netanyahu is now expected to defend Israel’s attack in Southern Lebanon at the UN.

According to The Times of Israel, Foreign Minister Israel Katz will be Netanyahu’s stand-in until the Israeli premier is out of the country. With this, Katz will also have the power to convene a security cabinet in case of any emergency.

Before heading to New York, the Israeli premier has already held a security cabinet meeting to discuss the escalating fighting with Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

France pushes for 21-day ceasefire

Amid the chaos, France pushed for a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. While reports suggested that the US was thwarting the efforts, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told the UNSC that the plans were discussed with the United States as well.

The plan came as the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, warned that “hell is breaking loose” in the country, and the UK foreign secretary called for an immediate ceasefire, a joint statement on which the US has not endorsed. Hence, the French initiative reflected the tensions between the US and its European allies over how they are approaching the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the US deputy envoy Robert Wood said Washington’s plans would be unveiled in the coming days and would 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 to this, Araghchi told UNSC that the US and UK’s “unwavering support for Israel has given them carte blanche for all sorts of sinister behaviour”.

“Without a ceasefire in Gaza there will be no guarantee for peace in the region,” he added. “The international community cannot afford to remain silent … the UN security council … must shoulder its responsibility and respond decisively.”

With inputs from agencies.