Iran’s government has denied Israeli accusations that it played a role in Hezbollah’s seizure of two Israeli soldiers last week – a move that sparked Israeli strikes on Lebanon.

The ban, enforced on Fridays to prevent attacks on mosques during weekly prayers, now covers most of the day.

Speaking at the State Department on Friday, Rice said Hezbollah is the source of the problem in Lebanon and must be disarmed. “We must work urgently to create the conditions for stability and lasting peace,” she said.