Tehran: Iran has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, marking the end of what it called Israel's "aggression" in Lebanon. The truce, effective from Wednesday, follows weeks of conflict that saw significant losses on both sides.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei hailed the cessation of hostilities, reaffirming Tehran's "firm support for the Lebanese government, nation, and resistance." He also urged the international community to apply "effective pressure" on Israel to end its military actions in Gaza.

The war in Lebanon inflicted a heavy toll on Hezbollah, including the loss of its leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike in Beirut. Despite these setbacks, Hezbollah and its supporters in Lebanon have declared the ceasefire a "victory," attributing the outcome to the group's missile attacks.

Iranian newspapers reflected a celebratory tone, with headlines like "admission of defeat" for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had vowed to "completely destroy" Hezbollah. Another conservative daily, Kayhan, proclaimed, "Hezbollah's missiles did the job."

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire would allow Israel to "focus on the Iranian threat," without providing further details.

Among Iranian citizens, reactions were mixed. Some expressed hope for lasting peace, though skepticism prevailed. "I hope the truce will last," said Mostafa, a 22-year-old student in Tehran, while Yeganeh, another student, remarked, "We hope for no war anywhere, but it’s unpredictable."

The ceasefire brings temporary relief but leaves uncertainties about long-term stability in the region. Iran, a steadfast supporter of Hezbollah and the Palestinian cause, continues to call for global action against Israeli policies in the Middle East.