Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told the BBC that Israeli strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday, which killed at least 303 people according to the Lebanese health ministry, constituted a "grave violation" of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. Khatibzadeh asserted that Lebanon was covered by the two-week deal agreed on Tuesday, a claim disputed by the US and Israel. He urged the US to choose between war and ceasefire, stating that Iran had sent a clear message to the White House. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon, focusing on Hezbollah's disarmament and establishing peaceful relations. Hezbollah, however, stated it fired at Israel overnight in response to ceasefire violations and threatened continued attacks. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed concern that the fighting could undermine upcoming US-Iran talks in Pakistan.