European Leaders Urge Inclusion of Lebanon in U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Amid Israeli Strikes

European leaders have called for Lebanon to be included in the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, following Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon that resulted in over 200 fatalities. Iran condemned the attacks, stating they violated the ceasefire, and warned of potential military retaliation if the strikes continued. Israel and the United States maintain that the ceasefire does not encompass Lebanon.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized Israel's actions, describing them as a "deeply damaging" escalation and emphasized the need to include Lebanon in the ceasefire to prevent regional destabilization. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also condemned the strikes, asserting they undermined the fragile truce and stressed that Lebanon should not be a "scapegoat" for Israeli frustrations.

European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, expressed concern over the Israeli attacks, noting that while Hezbollah's actions have drawn Lebanon into the conflict, Israel's right to self-defense does not justify such extensive destruction. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Israel to halt its offensive in Lebanon, cautioning that the severity of the military actions could jeopardize the overall peace process.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares labeled the Israeli strikes as "a shame to humanity's conscience" and announced plans to reopen Spain's embassy in Iran, which had been closed for a month. Spain has been a vocal critic of the U.S. and Israel regarding their actions against Iran.

These statements come as American and Iranian officials prepare for direct talks in Pakistan, which facilitated the ceasefire agreement. European leaders are intensifying their calls for a comprehensive truce that includes Lebanon to ensure regional stability.