Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Qanaani. Photo: en.mfa.gov.ir
Tehran, Iran – Iran has strongly condemned the explosions of pagers in Lebanon, calling the incident a “terrorist attack” and “mass murder” that resulted in the deaths of at least nine people. According to reports from EFE, the explosions targeted members of the Shiite group Hezbollah, an ally of Tehran, who have accused Israel of orchestrating the attack.
“This terrorist operation in Lebanon is part of ongoing actions by the Zionist regime and its mercenaries, which defy all moral and humanitarian principles and international law. Such acts must face international legal prosecution and punishment,” stated Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.
Mass Killing of an Iranian Ally
Among those injured in the attack was Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani, though reports indicate his condition is stable. Kanaani described the assault as a “mass murder” and called on the international community to act swiftly against the “impunity of the Zionist regime,” referring to Israel, Iran’s long-time adversary.
The pagers exploded in a coordinated chain across several locations on Tuesday, mainly in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing nine and injuring over 2,800.
Suspicions Directed at Israel
Both Hezbollah and Iran were quick to point the finger at Israel for the attack. While there has been no official comment from the Israeli government, reports from The New York Times and CNN suggest that Israel may have planted explosives in a shipment of pagers manufactured in Taiwan and sold to the pro-Iranian Shiite group.
Iran has been one of Hezbollah’s primary allies since the 1980s, providing financial support and arms. This attack adds further strain to the already tense relations between Tehran and Tel Aviv, two regional powers locked in a protracted and bitter conflict.
