Iran Accuses US of Responsibility for Israeli Strikes

Iran has accused the United States of responsibility for recent ceasefire violations in the Middle East, saying Israeli military action cannot be separated from Washington’s policy.

“No one believes that the Israeli regime would take any action without coordination with the United States”, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said at a briefing in Tehran. “The United States bears responsibility for the Israeli regime’s aggression, and it will also be responsible for the consequences of any escalation in tensions.”

Tehran described Sunday’s Israeli attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs as a violation of the fragile ceasefire. Israel said it had struck Hezbollah infrastructure after rocket attacks on the north of the country. According to Lebanon’s state news agency, the strikes hit two apartments in two buildings and killed two people.

Iran later responded with missile attacks on Israel. Baghaei said the renewed fighting would further complicate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and deepen Tehran’s mistrust of the United States.

(guardian, reuters, bak)