Iran Claims Victory, Enters 2-Week US Ceasefire Talks in Islamabad

In a detailed statement, the Council claimed that Iran had forced Washington to accept a 10-point framework covering key strategic and economic demands. According to the statement, these include guarantees of non-aggression, continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, recognition of uranium enrichment, lifting of sanctions, withdrawal of US forces from the region, and compensation payments.

Describing the outcome of the conflict, the statement said, "The enemy has suffered an undeniable, historic and crushing defeat in its cowardly, illegal and criminal war against the Iranian nation." It further added that Iran had compelled "the criminal America to accept its 10-point plan," signalling what it termed a decisive shift in regional power dynamics.

The Council emphasised that negotiations would be limited to finalising the details of this framework and would last no longer than 15 days. It clarified that the talks do not signify an immediate end to hostilities. "This does not mean an end to the war and Iran will accept an end to the war only when... its details are also finalized in the negotiations," the statement noted.

Iran credited its military forces and allied groups across the region for what it described as significant battlefield gains over the past 40 days. The statement claimed that Iranian forces and the so-called "axis of resistance" had inflicted heavy damage on US military infrastructure and assets in the region, while also thwarting initial expectations of a swift American victory.

The Council said that despite repeated ceasefire overtures from Washington over the past month, Tehran had rejected them until its objectives were met. "The enemy has been begging for more than a month to stop the fierce fire of Iran and the resistance... [but] the country's officials... responded negatively to all these requests," it stated.

According to the statement, Pakistan has played a mediating role, with its Prime Minister conveying that the US has agreed "in principle" to the proposed negotiation framework. Talks are now set to take place in Islamabad under these terms.

The Iranian leadership maintained that the negotiations are being conducted from a position of strength, stressing that the country will continue military operations until its gains are secured diplomatically. It also highlighted the importance of national unity and urged continued public support during the negotiation phase.

While the claims made in the statement could not be independently verified, the announcement signals a potential diplomatic opening after weeks of heightened tensions and conflict in the region.

- ANI