Islamabad: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated on Saturday that Lebanon’s stability, alongside regional peace, will significantly influence the ongoing discussions with the United States. These talks are being held in Islamabad, where consultations with Pakistani officials are also underway, as reported during a live broadcast on IRIB state TV.
According to Anadolu Agency, Baghaei, speaking from Islamabad, noted that the Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Qalibaf, began their consultations with Pakistani officials immediately upon their early Saturday arrival in the capital. He emphasized that Iran’s positions and demands have been presented clearly, following a proposed framework that the Iranian delegation adheres to without ambiguity.
Baghaei highlighted the importance of diplomacy as a continuation of defense strategies, particularly after nearly 40 days of conflict. He described Iran’s current approach as a ‘demanding diplomatic struggle.’
Baghaei further explained that Iran is closely coordinating with its armed forces to monitor the ceasefire and ensure any potential violations are addressed. He stressed that Iran has consistently advocated for a real ceasefire from the outset. Initial hours post-ceasefire saw a limited number of violations, but Iranian forces responded promptly and effectively. Since then, no serious violations have been reported, with even suspected cases being swiftly dealt with through warnings.
Addressing the Lebanon factor, Baghaei underscored that the ceasefire extends to all fronts, including Lebanon, which he described as a crucial element of the broader framework. He reiterated that developments in Lebanon will directly impact the path of diplomatic efforts, as Iran maintains contact with its diplomatic mission in Beirut and pertinent parties to ensure all commitments are honored.
The proposed 10-point framework from Iran outlines several key points: guarantees of non-aggression against Iran, continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, recognition of Iran’s right to uranium enrichment, lifting of all US sanctions, termination of UN Security Council and IAEA Board of Governors resolutions against Iran, payment of compensation, withdrawal of US combat forces, and cessation of hostilities, including in Lebanon.
These high-stakes discussions, known as the “Islamabad Talks,” commenced soon after separate meetings between the Iranian and US delegations with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The US and Iranian delegations arrived separately in Islamabad, marking a significant high-level bilateral engagement since 1979.
The American delegation is led by US Vice President JD Vance and includes special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Meanwhile, the Iranian delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Bagher Qalibaf, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy to the National Security Council, among its members. Pakistan is represented in the talks by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside army chief Gen. Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, as noted by insiders.