Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has raised doubts about the feasibility of reaching a resolution to the conflict, citing the United States’ failure to adhere to Iran’s specified conditions. Ghalibaf criticized Washington for violating three crucial components outlined in Iran’s 10-point plan for ending the war.
According to Ghalibaf, pursuing a ceasefire and engaging in negotiations with the US is not a viable option, especially in light of ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, a reported drone intrusion into Iranian airspace post-truce commencement, and the US’s rejection of Iranian uranium enrichment.
The situation escalated as a tentative ceasefire, in place for just a day, faced strain, with conflicting claims of progress from both sides but no consensus on fundamental terms. The latest developments coincide with the announcement that JD Vance will lead the American delegation in talks set to begin in Islamabad, with Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi anticipated to represent Iran.
Araghchi reiterated Iran’s stance that the ceasefire should extend beyond its borders, emphasizing the atrocities in Lebanon as a crucial concern. However, the US administration, including President Donald Trump, dismissed the notion that Lebanon falls under the ceasefire, categorizing Israel’s actions against Hezbollah as a separate issue.
President Trump clarified that Hezbollah was excluded from the agreement due to their involvement, pledging to address the situation separately. This sentiment was echoed by the White House Press Secretary, who reaffirmed that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire agreement conveyed to all concerned parties.
On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the ceasefire did not apply to Hezbollah, signaling ongoing military operations in Lebanon. Netanyahu claimed significant setbacks to Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear aspirations, stressing Israel’s strengthened position.
As discussions loom in Islamabad, the substantial discrepancies regarding ceasefire terms and regional implications underscore the complexity of transforming a temporary truce into a lasting resolution.