Iran demands clear timetable for Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory

Iran has called for the establishment of a clear timetable for Israel's withdrawal from occupied areas of Lebanon, describing it as an essential condition for achieving a lasting agreement to end the war and ensure regional stability.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Sunday in response to questions from reporters about the agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon in Washington with US mediation, as well as the implementation of the first provision of the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on ending the war in Lebanon.

He reiterated Iran's longstanding position on Lebanon's sovereignty, saying the Islamic Republic considers the protection of Lebanon's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with safeguarding the dignity and security of all Lebanese citizens, to be a fundamental prerequisite for any sustainable agreement aimed at ending the war and Israel's military presence in the country.

According to the spokesman, Iran's position is based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental rules of international law, stressing that respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity is indispensable for the durability of any agreement concerning the cessation of hostilities and Israel's occupation of Lebanese territory.

Baghaei said that this approach had shaped Iran's demands during both the April 8 ceasefire understanding and the June 18 memorandum of understanding on ending the war. 

Israel keeps bombing Lebanon, prepares for long occupation

Israel’s war minister says the regime is preparing for a long occupation of southern Lebanon.

He also emphasized that Tehran had placed an end to Israel's military offensive in Lebanon alongside the termination of hostilities against Iran as one of its principal demands and has consistently insisted on the implementation of those commitments.

The Iranian spokesman further stated that the full implementation of the first provision of the memorandum—which calls for ending Israeli attacks against Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied Lebanese territories—is essential for reaching a final and lasting agreement capable of restoring stability to the region.

Referring to the United States' explicit commitment under the first provision of the June 18 memorandum, Baghaei urged Washington to take all necessary measures to compel Israel to halt all acts of aggression and military offensives across Lebanese territory.

He also called for the prompt establishment of a timetable for Israel's unconditional withdrawal from occupied areas of Lebanon, saying that such a step is necessary for the successful implementation of the agreement and the achievement of durable peace and security.

The remarks came after Israel and Lebanon signed a 14-point framework agreement in Washington aimed at ending hostilities and addressing long-standing security issues along their shared border.

Since 2 March, when Israel launched its latest round of aggression against Lebanon, at least 4,246 people have been killed and 12,190 others wounded, according to Lebanese authorities.

In response, the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has continued military operations against Israeli forces, saying resistance remains necessary as long as attacks and occupation persist.

The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by Iran and the United States in June, includes provisions calling for an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon and respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk