Iraq and Iran discuss ceasefire and Israeli strikes on Lebanon

BAGHDAD — Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi discussed the U.S.-Iran ceasefire and Israeli strikes on Lebanon during a phone call Wednesday, with both sides emphasizing the need to pressure Washington to halt Israeli attacks.

Hussein said the call covered efforts to reach a ceasefire and reviewed the role of Pakistan and other countries in facilitating dialogue. The two ministers also discussed what the statement described as “the dangerous and intensive escalation” carried out by Israel against Beirut and other areas in Lebanon, and called for working with other countries to urge the United States to “apply pressure on Netanyahu’s government” to halt the attacks and create conditions for resuming negotiations.

Israeli forces carried out around 100 airstrikes Wednesday targeting central Beirut, the southern suburbs, the Bekaa region and southern Lebanon, with Lebanese media reporting extensive damage, dozens of casualties and a state of emergency in Beirut hospitals.

The ceasefire is a temporary two-week agreement that includes steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to be followed by negotiations mediated by Pakistan.