BEIRUT, Aug 13, (Agencies): British Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned of the dangerous situation in the Middle East asserting a ceasefire must be reached immediately. The British top diplomat's remarks came in a phone call with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati on Tuesday, where the two also discussed bilateral relations.

Prime Minister’s media office released a statement conveying Lammy’s remarks calling the situation a decisive moment for stability in the region, which cannot bear any more delay. Miqati, on his part, took note of the British government’s interest in Lebanon and its intent on ensuring its stability. Military clashes between the Israeli occupation and resistance in southern Lebanon have been ongoing since October 7. Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Totonji has strongly condemned recent escalations and actions by Israel, attributing the region’s tensions to what he calls the “usurping occupying entity” with support from the US government.

Totonji emphasized that Iran is not responsible for regional tensions, which he believes are primarily caused by Israeli actions and US support. Totonji assured that Iran’s response to Israeli actions would be “decisive and firm,” stressing that Iran would act at an appropriate time and place. He indicated that this response aims to restore stability in the region. The ambassador criticized the US and some European countries for their support of Israel, which he claims undermines peace efforts and exacerbates the situation. He accused these countries of failing to condemn Israeli actions and continuing to support Israel’s policies. Iran, according to Totonji, is committed to curbing regional tensions and restoring stability.

He highlighted Iran’s efforts to stop the war machine and promote security in the region, emphasizing the importance of Islamic solidarity and coordination. He criticized the UN Security Council for its inability to address the situation effectively, citing the influence of certain powers, including the US, as a reason for the Council’s inaction. The Iranian ambassador reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend itself and respond to aggression within the framework of international law. He called for the international community to stop supporting Israeli aggression and to apply international law impartially. Totonji demanded an end to Israeli aggression in Palestine and urged the US to cease its support for Israel, while at the same time calling for fair and impartial application of international law. Iran rejected a call Tuesday by three European countries urging it to refrain from any retaliatory attacks that would further escalate regional tensions. Iran calls it an “excessive request.”

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany in a joint statement Monday asked Iran and its allies to refrain from retaliation for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. Iran has blamed Israel. The European leaders also endorsed the latest push by mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States to broker an agreement to end the Israel-Hamas war. Talks are expected to resume Thursday. And they called for the return of scores of hostages held by Hamas and the “unfettered” delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.