TEHRAN – Numerous high-ranking Iranian officials have vehemently denounced the Israeli regime and its Western patrons following the detonation of thousands of wireless communication devices, commonly known as pagers, in various locations across Lebanon on Tuesday.

The explosions in Lebanon have so far claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals, including two children and a woman. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that the number of injured has surpassed 3000, with approximately 400 of them in critical condition.

While the explosions have hurt military men and civilians alike, it is believed that Israel’s main goal was to target members of the Hezbollah Resistance Movement. The group’s Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has yet to address the situation directly, but in a statement published on Tuesday Hezbollah vowed to continue its anti-Israeli strikes in support of the Gaza Strip.

‘Western states lie in ceasefire plea’

On Wednesday, Iran’s president addressed the events transpiring in Lebanon the previous day, labeling them as a disgrace for Western nations, particularly the United States, which relentlessly pursue their inhumane objectives. 

Masoud Pezeshkian pointed out that the repurposing of tools meant to promote human comfort into weapons of terror and destruction against those with differing viewpoints signifies a decline in humanity, overshadowed by savagery and criminal behavior. 

The president remarked, “This incident further illustrates that while Western nations and the United States may superficially advocate for a ceasefire, they are, in reality, complicit in the atrocities, massacres, and indiscriminate killings perpetrated by the Zionist regime.”

Pezeshkian asserted that the solution to rectify this situation and to dismantle the cycle of oppression and violence inflicted by the Zionist regime and its allies on the oppressed Palestinians and the broader Islamic community lies in the unity and solidarity of Muslims and Islamic nations. 

‘Zionist regime intertwined with terrorism’

The speaker of the Iranian Parliament denounced the terrorist actions carried out by the Zionist regime in Lebanon, asserting that such acts of terrorism and the murder of innocent individuals are intrinsic to the evil character of the Zionist regime.

In a statement shared on his account on the social media platform X, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf remarked, “The essence of the Zionist regime is intertwined with terrorism and the slaughter of innocent people; as long as this regime persists, its campaign of killings and genocide will continue unabated.

We categorically condemn the terrorist activities of the Zionist regime in Lebanon and, in expressing our solidarity with the victims, we reaffirm our support for the people of Lebanon, as we have consistently done in the past.”

Qalibaf, who has been overseeing the Iranian parliament for the past four years, is a former military commander who is known for staunchly supporting Resistance factions throughout his long career in Iranian politics.  

‘Ready to assist Lebanon with medical aid’

During a phone call with Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Rashid Bouhabib, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed his deep concern over the tragic incidents unfolding on Tuesday. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Lebanese government, its citizens, and the families affected by the tragedy.

Araghchi emphasized Iran's solidarity with Lebanon, offering his nation's full support in the aftermath of the deadly explosions. 

He pledged that Iran was ready to provide any assistance necessary, including medical aid for the injured and the possibility of transferring those in critical condition to Tehran for specialized treatment.

In separate remarks published by Iranian media, Araqchi strongly condemned the pager explosions as a deliberate attack on civilians. He underscored the culpability of Western nations for providing the Israeli regime with impunity to perpetrate such crimes.

The U.S. and its European allies have poured significant efforts into insulating Israel against the consequences of its crimes in the past 11 months.  

‘Lebanon attack part of an Israeli pattern’

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation hours after the pager explosions. Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani described the incident as a "terrorist act" and a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

The diplomat characterized the attack as part of a broader pattern of aggression by the Israeli regime, labeling it an instance of mass killing that threatens regional stability. He asserted that such actions not only represent war crimes against the people of the region but also pose a significant threat to international peace and security.

"This combined terrorist act clearly demonstrates that the Zionist regime, alongside its mercenary agents, continues to undermine ethical and humanitarian principles," Kanaani stated. He called for the international community to take immediate action against the impunity enjoyed by Israeli officials, urging for accountability through international criminal prosecution.

Expressing solidarity with the Lebanese government and its citizens, Kanaani extended condolences to the families affected by the attack.