Talks on ending the war are conditional on the United States’ adherence to ceasefire commitments on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Baqaei strongly condemned the crimes committed by the Zionist regime in Lebanon, expressed deep condolences of the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the bereaved families of the martyrs and to the people and government of Lebanon, and prayed to God for the recovery of the wounded.
The spokesman praised the legendary resistance of the people of Lebanon against the savagery and expansionism of the Zionist regime, commending the very valuable support and solidarity of the people of Lebanon with Iranians during the US-Israeli military aggression. He said, “Today the solidarity and sympathy between the peoples of Iran and Lebanon is greater than at any time in history.”
Regarding the issue of a ceasefire and its relation to Lebanon, Baqaei stated: “The halting of the war in Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefire understanding proposed by Pakistan, and as the prime minister of that country also explicitly announced, the United States is committed to stopping the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and any action or position contrary to this commitment would be tantamount to the United States not adhering to its commitment.”
Asked about the venue and time of talks on the complete end of the war with the US, he said: “The government of Pakistan has invited both parties to travel to Islamabad and hold the talks, which is under review and being planned, but without a doubt the holding of any talks is conditional upon obtaining assurance of the US’ fulfillment of its obligations regarding a ceasefire on all fronts.”
Asked about Iran’s delegation to the Islamabad talks, he said: “If the travel plan is finalized, the line-up of the delegation to be sent will also be announced.”
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of then Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians, on February 28.
In retaliation, Iranian Armed Forces launched attacks on American and Israeli positions in the region, demonstrating their capability to strike back effectively. Despite initial expectations by the attackers of a swift victory, the Iranian response proved significantly more potent, inflicting heavy damage on US and Israeli military resources while rallying the nation’s unity and resistance.
While the US president had issued an ultimatum, Pakistani mediation facilitated an agreement for a two-week ceasefire during which negotiations would take place in Islamabad. Iran has proposed a ten-point plan as the foundation for discussions, seeking terms such as the withdrawal of US forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions, and establishing control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran emphasized on April 8 that the aggression led to a historic victory for Iran, compelling the US to accept negotiation terms, including a plan for guaranteed non-aggression and the cessation of hostilities.
Iran has stressed that the negotiations would not signify an end to the conflict but rather an extension of the battlefield into diplomatic efforts, with a clear stance of distrust towards the US.
Source: Tasnim news agency