Iran-US agreement: Tehran warns over Lebanon, Trump criticizes Israel

Iran-US Agreement Faces Regional Test: Tehran Threatens “Harsh” Response to Israel Amid US Criticism

The atmosphere of de-escalation that accompanied the recent understanding between Iran and the United States is facing increasing field and political tests across multiple regional fronts, with exchanged warnings over the situation in southern Lebanon, and ongoing debate over the future of confrontation between Israel and its regional adversaries, at a time when the United Nations called for capitalizing on the new climate to advance settlement efforts in Yemen.

In this context, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned of the repercussions of continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump criticized Israel’s approach to the Lebanese file, as the leader of Yemen’s Houthi group affirmed his forces’ readiness to respond to any potential developments.

In parallel, the United Nations called for transforming recent regional understandings into an opportunity to achieve political and humanitarian progress in Yemen.

Iran Warns of Repercussions of Situation in Southern Lebanon

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in a statement that the Israeli army had committed “84 violations” of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon over the past two days, considering that the continuation of these operations could lead to a response from Iranian armed forces.

The statement added that the Israeli army “continues its operations in southern Lebanon” despite US President Donald Trump’s declaration that the war is over, warning that the continuation of these moves would be met with a “harsh response.”

These remarks came amid continued strikes and military operations in southern Lebanon, at a time when reports indicate that the recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding includes provisions related to de-escalation in a number of regional arenas, including Lebanon.

Israel Holds Ground Amid Fears of Agreement Pressure

In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed his country’s commitment to the areas its forces had entered inside Lebanon, announcing refusal to withdraw from them at the current stage.

Katz also directed a warning to Iran against any action related to the Lebanese front, indicating that Israel intends to maintain its presence in a number of areas where its forces are deployed.

In a related context, Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that the Israeli security establishment is monitoring the repercussions of the US-Iran agreement, amid concerns that Tel Aviv could face pressure pushing toward a rapid withdrawal from Lebanon under the new regional understandings.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 12 quoted a security source as confirming a notable decrease in Israeli army operations in Lebanon, according to the source.

أعلن مقر “خاتم الأنبياء” المركزي، في بيان، أن الجيش الإسرائيلي خلال اليومين الماضيين، وبعد إعلان ترامب انتهاء الحرب، “انتهك وقف إطلاق النار في جنوب لبنان 84 مرة”.

وأضاف المقر في البيان أنه في حال لم يوقف الجيش الإسرائيلي هجماته على جنوب لبنان، فإنه يجب “انتظار رد قاسٍ من القوات… pic.twitter.com/imvXpmnTRy

— إيران إنترناشيونال-عربي (@IranIntl_Ar) June 16, 2026

Trump Criticizes Israel’s Policy in Lebanon

On the US side, President Donald Trump criticized Israel’s approach to the Lebanese file, saying that continued military operations negatively affect prospects for regional stability and the path of ongoing understandings with Iran.

Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France that Lebanon “is being treated worse than any other country in the world,” adding that “Israel has been fighting Hezbollah for a very long time, and far too many civilians are being killed.”

He also questioned the logic of destroying entire residential buildings while pursuing specific individuals, saying: “There is no need to demolish an entire apartment building every time you’re looking for someone.”

Trump noted that Hezbollah remains a security challenge, but said the Israeli response had exceeded the limits that could help achieve regional stability, calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take responsibility for his decisions regarding Lebanon.

Houthi Leader Affirms Readiness for Any Regional Escalation

In Yemen, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi affirmed the group’s continued stance toward regional developments, announcing his forces’ readiness to respond to any potential military escalation.

In a statement, al-Houthi said the movement is monitoring developments in the region and confirms its readiness to respond to any actions that could affect Gaza or other fronts in the region.

He also congratulated Iran on what he described as “victory” in the recent confrontation with the United States and Israel, considering that recent developments represent an important milestone in the regional landscape.

Al-Houthi also called for strengthening coordination among forces allied with Iran in the region, and for unifying efforts to address the political and economic challenges facing Yemen.

UN Calls for Capitalizing on Agreement in Yemen

In contrast, the United Nations adopted a different approach, focusing on the de-escalation opportunities that the US-Iran agreement could provide.

UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg said that Yemeni parties should seize the opportunity created by the agreement between the United States and Iran to make progress toward peace.

Grundberg urged all parties to implement the recently reached prisoner exchange agreement, expressing hope that the regional agreement would serve as a turning point to help advance the political process in Yemen.

He noted that the Red Sea has not witnessed new attacks in recent period, and pointed to the relative calm in Yemen since the 2022 ceasefire, while stressing that the conflict has not yet been resolved and that millions of Yemenis continue to bear the consequences of the crisis.

The UN envoy welcomed the agreement to release more than 1,600 detainees, saying such steps could help build trust ahead of launching a comprehensive political process under UN auspices.

Humanitarian Warnings of Deteriorating Living Conditions

For his part, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Tom Fletcher painted a grim picture of the humanitarian situation in Yemen before the Security Council.

He said the proportion of people unable to meet their basic food needs had risen from about 50% to nearly 60% in just one month, noting that more than 18 million people are suffering from acute levels of hunger.

He added that about five million people are facing difficult food situations in areas under Yemeni government control, calling on the international community to increase funding for relief programs, which are currently only 15% financed.

He also renewed his demand for the release of 73 UN staff members still being detained, stressing that continued humanitarian support and political efforts remain essential to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis.

US-Iran Understanding Between De-escalation Opportunities and Field Tests

The simultaneous developments in Lebanon and Yemen reflect the scale of challenges facing any path toward de-escalation in the region, as Iranian warnings, US criticism, and positions from regional powers intersect with UN efforts aimed at transforming the US-Iran understanding into an opportunity to enhance regional stability, at a time when field files remain open to multiple possibilities.

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