Iran's Supreme Leader links US‑Iran peace talks to Israel halting attacks on Lebanon

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a statement demanding an “absolute, unconditional termination” of Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, urging the Israeli government to cease all strikes targeting Lebanese territory. The call was relayed through state media on Tuesday, where Khamenei emphasized that continued aggression would only deepen regional instability and threaten the lives of civilians on both sides of the border.

The demand comes amid a recent escalation of Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, which Israeli officials say are aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s capabilities after a series of cross‑border attacks. Hezbollah has responded with rocket fire into northern Israel, prompting further Israeli retaliation. Iran, a long‑time supporter of Hezbollah, has repeatedly condemned Israel’s operations and framed them as violations of international law. While Khamenei’s statement does not specify a diplomatic pathway, it reinforces Tehran’s broader policy of opposing Israeli military actions in the Levant and signals continued Iranian backing for Lebanese resistance groups.