Iran Demands Total Ceasefire on All Fronts for Regional Peace
Deputy FM Saeed Khatibzadeh warns that peace is impossible unless fighting stops on all fronts, accusing the US and Israel of breaching agreements.
Iran has issued a stark warning that regional stability can only be achieved if there is a complete and simultaneous halt to hostilities across all conflict zones. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh asserted that as long as fighting continues in any single area, the war effectively remains alive throughout the entire region.
The 'All or Nothing' Approach to Peace
Speaking during a visit to Beirut, Khatibzadeh emphasized that Tehran's core demand is the termination of all ongoing wars. He argued that the conflicts in Lebanon and the Levant are intrinsically linked, meaning a ceasefire in one cannot exist in isolation from the other. According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, any continued combat on even one front serves as a signal that the broader war is still active.
The senior official revealed that Iran has been actively working toward ending the Israeli war on Lebanon. He claimed this objective was secured through the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, a document signed between Iran and the United States in mid-June of this year.
Accusations of Betrayal and Broken Pacts
Despite the existence of the Islamabad agreement, Khatibzadeh leveled serious accusations against Washington and Tel Aviv. He charged that both the United States and Israel breached the memorandum by launching strikes against Iran and Lebanon.
The Deputy Foreign Minister expressed deep skepticism regarding current diplomatic efforts, stating that American attempts to broker a ceasefire have stalled. He declared that Israel cannot be trusted to keep its word and insisted that the United States holds the primary responsibility for reining in its ally.
Defending Sovereignty and Nuclear Transparency
Addressing the direct conflict between Tehran and Washington, Khatibzadeh labeled the U.S. war on Iran as unlawful under international law. He maintained that American efforts have failed to dismantle Iran's air defenses or its capacity to deter enemy attacks, stating that Iran has successfully withstood an "existential war."
On the subject of its nuclear ambitions, Iran reiterated its commitment to a peaceful program. Khatibzadeh noted that Tehran is prepared to answer queries from the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), pointing to over 15 IAEA reports that have verified Iranian compliance.
Key Strategic Points Mentioned:
- The Strait of Hormuz: Tehran has offered to reopen the strategic waterway within seven days, emphasizing that while it does not seek war, it will counter any conflict imposed upon it.
- Hezbollah's Role: Khatibzadeh described Hezbollah as a Lebanese political party established specifically to halt Israeli occupation and assaults.
- Diplomatic Ties: He noted that Iran's relationships with its regional partners are built on a foundation of shared values, beliefs, and principles.
Diplomatic Outreach in Beirut
The Deputy Foreign Minister's visit to the Lebanese capital involved high-level meetings aimed at bringing conflicting sides closer. He described his exchanges as "good," confirming discussions with several key figures, including:
- Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri
- Prime Minister Nawaf Salam
- Representatives from the Foreign Ministry