Iran condemned an Israeli attack in the Nabatieh area of southern Lebanon that reportedly killed at least 11 people, including members of one family. In a report published on August 16, 2026, Tehran said Lebanon has a legal and legitimate right to use all means to defend its existence against Israeli aggression.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei called the attack targeting family members highly condemnable. He said the strikes were part of what Iran described as Israel’s continuing aggression and violations of Lebanon’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Baghaei called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory and praised what he termed the Lebanese people’s “honourable resistance.”

Baghaei also criticized the UN Security Council’s continuing silence and inaction over alleged violations of international and humanitarian law. He reaffirmed Iran’s solidarity with Lebanon in protecting its sovereignty, independence and dignity. Hezbollah had earlier denounced the incident as a “brutal massacre.” Washington and Tel Aviv have been pressing for Hezbollah’s disarmament, while Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected the calls and said a June 26 framework agreement violated Lebanon’s constitution.