(Web Desk) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday urged the United States to ensure Israel complies with provisions of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Washington and Tehran, accusing Israel of continuing military operations in Lebanon despite the agreement.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Baghdad, Araghchi said all provisions of the Iran-US accord must be implemented, including commitments related to Lebanon.
"Regrettably, the Zionist entity continues its air strikes on Lebanon," Araghchi said, adding that Israel had accepted the memorandum and that Washington had a responsibility to compel its ally to abide by its terms.
He said the first clause of the agreement called for Israel's withdrawal from occupied areas in Lebanon and urged the United States to ensure the commitment is honored to help end the conflict.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ
Addressing maritime security, Araghchi said Iran would retain full control over the Strait of Hormuz for the next 30 days under the terms of the agreement.
"The Strait of Hormuz remains under the total oversight and management of Iran during the coming 30 days," he said, adding that Tehran intends to restore the waterway to full operational capacity once remaining obstacles are removed.
He stressed that responsibility for managing the strategic shipping lane rests solely with Iran, warning that any unilateral intervention by other countries would heighten regional tensions and delay the reopening of the strait.
Araghchi said he had briefed his Iraqi counterpart on the outcome of what he described as the "war imposed on Iran" as well as recent developments concerning the memorandum signed with the United States.
‘THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT’
The Iranian foreign minister also thanked Iraq for its political support during the conflict, saying the Iraqi government and people had consistently stood by Iran in the face of what he described as Israeli-American aggression.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said ending the conflict remained an urgent regional priority, noting that military tensions continued around the Strait of Hormuz despite the ceasefire.
"The war is still ongoing in another form," Hussein said, calling for regional countries to take collective responsibility for security and proposing a meeting involving the Gulf states, Iraq and Iran to address ongoing challenges.
He also emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting restrictions on maritime traffic to safeguard regional and global trade.
According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, Araghchi's visit to Baghdad also focused on bilateral ties, regional coordination and arrangements related to upcoming ceremonies marking the funeral of Ali Khamenei at Iraqi holy sites.