Hezbollah Says Iran's Missile Strike Was Defense of Lebanon

TEHRAN, Iran — Hezbollah said Tuesday that Iran's missile attack on Israel was carried out to defend the Lebanese people. The group called on Lebanese authorities to mend relations with Tehran, saying Iran values stability in the region and seeks to hold all parties to existing agreements. In a statement, Hezbollah said the operation, carried out simultaneously with support from Ansarullah, was intended to deter Israel as part of the resistance axis. The group added that Iran aimed to send a clear message to the U.S. administration about the consequences of its support for Israel. Hezbollah claimed Tehran is working to include a comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts, starting with Lebanon, in future agreements. The statement rejected accusations against Iran in Lebanon as unfounded and said the party would continue resistance activities until its goals were achieved. Iran launched the missile attack in response to Israeli strikes on southern Beirut suburbs. Israel subsequently struck Iranian cities, and the two sides declared a ceasefire following a call from U.S. President Donald Trump.