US assures Iran of non-involvement in pager explosions

US representatives have initiated informal contacts with Iran to assure them of their non-involvement in the pager explosions that occurred in Lebanon.

Officials from the administration of US President Joe Biden aimed to "distance themselves from the events in Lebanon" and stated that they had no information about the explosions, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The escalating tensions in the region could jeopardise ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Hundreds of pagers exploded simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria on September 17 in an attack that apparently targeted members of Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Islamist militant organisation and Lebanese political party. It comes amid rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel as the war in Gaza rages on without any end in sight.

At least nine people were killed, including members of Hezbollah and a child. More than 2,800 were injured, including the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, with over 200 people in critical condition. Most of the injuries were hand injuries; hospitals in Beirut have been overwhelmed with patients and are asking the public to donate blood.

By Naila Huseynova