Iran in constant touch with Lebanon to ensure ceasefire, says Iran's FM spokesperson: Iran Media
Tehran, April 11
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Saturday that Tehran is in constant contact with Beirut to ensure that the ceasefire commitments in Lebanon are upheld, as reported by Iranian media Fars news agency.
According to Fars, Baghaei, speaking from Islamabad where formal US-Iran negotiations are underway to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, said the Iranian delegation has already engaged with Pakistani officials and clearly conveyed its positions and demands.
Fars further reported that Baghaei noted instances of ceasefire violations on Saturday, underscoring the fragile nature of the situation on ground.
Meanwhile, trilateral ceasefire talks between the United States, Iran and Pakistan have started in Islamabad, Al Jazeera reported, noting that this is the highest-level talks between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
Ahead of the talks with the United States, the Iranian negotiating team held a strategic meeting in the Pakistani capital. The delegation, which arrived in Islamabad to participate in high-stakes discussions, fine-tuned its agenda before the formal commencement of the "peace talks" with the US.
Prior to this engagement, US Vice President JD Vance also held a high-level meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement from the White House.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also met the Pakistani Prime Minister.
The Serena Hotel has emerged as the focal point of the diplomatic activity, with both the Iranian and American delegations arriving to participate in talks.
Visuals from outside the luxury hotel showed tight security and a flurry of movement as international representatives convened at the venue.
The American delegation, led by JD Vance includes Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
Shehbaz Sharif had earlier termed the talks as "make or break" negotiations.
Held under intense security, the engagement aims to stabilise a fragile ceasefire and navigate the future of regional security. The ceasefire announcement was made on April 8.
Vice-President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, had suggested earlier that the outcome depends entirely on the American approach.Taking to X, he noted that if the Iranian representatives meet those representing "America First," an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable.
However, he warned that if they face representatives of "Israel First," there will be no deal, stating, "we will inevitably continue our defence even more vigorously than before, and the world will face greater costs."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see Pakistan hosting these talks. While dialogue is always good, the "make or break" description by PM Sharif shows the high stakes. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts. Hope this leads to lasting peace.
The mention of "Israel First" vs "America First" is telling. The region is a tinderbox. India has maintained balanced relations with all parties. Our national interest is stability, safe passage for our ships, and affordable oil. Jai Hind.
Constant ceasefire violations already? The situation sounds very fragile. As a common citizen, all we want is peace. So many innocent lives are at stake. Hope the diplomats in Islamabad can find a way forward.
Respectfully, while talks are good, I'm skeptical. The track record isn't great. Iran's statement seems more for media consumption. Real peace needs actions, not just press releases from Fars news agency. Let's see what happens on the ground.
The involvement of Jared Kushner is notable. Hope this brings a fresh perspective. From India's viewpoint, a stable West Asia is non-negotiable. It affects everything from our IT professionals working there to pilgrims going for Hajj and Umrah.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.