WANA (Jun 14) – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, criticized the United States following Israel’s latest strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, stating that Washington’s apparent approval of the attack has undermined any prospect of continuing the current diplomatic process.

 

Referring to the attack, Ghalibaf said, “The Zionist regime’s aggression against the southern suburbs of Beirut once again demonstrated that the United States either lacks the will to fulfill its commitments or lacks the ability to do so.”

 

He added, “You cannot gain concessions by giving the regime a green light. The old ‘good cop, bad cop’ game no longer works. If you do not have the will or the capability to honor your commitments, then talking about continuing the process is no longer possible.”

 

His remarks came amid growing tensions over the ceasefire arrangement between Iran and the United States, under which hostilities were expected to end across multiple fronts, including Lebanon. Israel’s latest strike on Beirut has raised fresh questions about the durability of those commitments.

 

In this context, Axios, citing Israeli and American sources, reported that Israel had informed the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) of the planned operation before carrying it out. The report has renewed scrutiny over Washington’s role in recent developments in Lebanon.

Lebanese media outlets reported several explosions in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth also confirmed that explosions had been heard in the area. According to Al Mayadeen, the target was a five-story building, and the strike resulted in casualties.

 

Initial reports indicated that one person was killed and four others injured. However, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health later announced that the death toll had risen to three, while six people were wounded.

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement that the strike was carried out in response to alleged Hezbollah rocket fire toward Israel. The statement said, “Israel will not tolerate any fire directed at its territory.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 12 claimed that the target was a Hezbollah facility in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The Kan public broadcaster reported that two Israeli fighter jets carried out the operation, firing four guided missiles at the building.

 

The attack comes as Washington continues to seek a 60-day agreement with Iran aimed at extending the ceasefire process and reducing regional tensions.

 

However, repeated Israeli strikes in Lebanon and reports that U.S. officials were informed in advance of the latest operation have raised serious questions about Washington’s commitment to its obligations and the prospects for any future agreements.