Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Iran threatens to back Hezbollah ‘with all means’ if fighting with Israel escalates


Iran threatens to back Hezbollah ‘with all means’ if fighting with Israel escalates


Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Middle East is facing a “full-scale catastrophe” and warns Tehran will back Lebanon by “all means” if fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah escalates.

“The region is on the brink of a full-scale catastrophe. If unchecked, the world will face catastrophic consequences,” he tells reporters at the United Nations, adding that Iran would “stand with the people of Lebanon with all means.”

Araqchi also claims Israel has crossed “all red lines” and says the UN Security Council must intervene to restore peace and stability.


UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on Lebanon; France proposes 21-day truce

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reveals at the UN Security Council a joint proposal with the United States for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon.

“A diplomatic solution is indeed possible. In recent days, we’ve worked with our American partners on a temporary ceasefire platform of 21 days to allow for negotiations,” he tells the 15-member UN Security Council.

Barrot says the plan will be made public soon.

“We are counting on both parties to accept it without delay, in order to protect civilian populations and allow for diplomatic negotiations to begin,” he says.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says during the same emergency Security Council meeting requested by France that Lebanon cannot become another Gaza and calls for an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah

“Let us say in one clear voice, stop the killing and destruction. Turn down the rhetoric and threats. Step back from the brink. An all-out war must be avoided at all costs,” Guterres says.

Israel prefers diplomacy but ready to ‘use all means’ against Hezbollah if talks fail — UN envoy

Israel says it’s open to a diplomatic solution on Lebanon but vowed to use “all means” in its goal of degrading Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

“We are grateful for all those who are making a sincere effort with diplomacy to avoid escalation, to avoid a full war,” Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon says, but adds that if talks failed: “We will use all means at our disposal, in accordance with international law, to achieve our aims.”


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