NewKerala.com

Iran Sets Ceasefire, Asset Release as Preconditions for US Talks

Iran has reiterated that a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of its blocked assets are essential preconditions before it will engage in talks with the United States. The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, has traveled to Islamabad for the planned negotiations, expressing cautious optimism. A major point of contention is the scope of the existing fragile ceasefire, with Iran insisting it includes halting Israeli operations in Lebanon, a claim disputed by the US and Israel. The Iranian delegation is expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Key Points: Iran-US Talks Hinge on Lebanon Ceasefire, Asset Release

  • Iran sets preconditions for US talks
  • Ceasefire in Lebanon is a key demand
  • Release of blocked Iranian assets required
  • US delegation travels to Islamabad for talks
3 min read

Iran-US talks loom with uncertainty after Tehran sets Lebanon ceasefire, asset release as preconditions

Iran demands a Lebanon ceasefire and release of its blocked assets before negotiations with the US in Islamabad, as a fragile truce hangs in balance.

"These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin. - Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf"

Tehran, April 10

Uncertainty surrounds the prospects of talks between Iran and the United States to find a complete solution to end the conflict in West Asia after Tehran reiterated that key preconditions must be met before negotiations can begin.

Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, in a post on X, said that two measures agreed upon between the parties remain unfulfilled, stressing that progress on these issues is essential before any dialogue can take place.

According to Ghalibaf, the ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets are set as the preconditions before negotiations can take place in Islamabad.

"Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations. These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin," Ghalibaf said in his post.

The developments come as the fragile ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran hangs in the balance, with Tehran stating that the truce also includes the halt to Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

However, both Washington and Israel have maintained that the ceasefire does not extend to Hezbollah targets, a disagreement that has further complicated diplomatic efforts and heightened the risk of the truce collapsing.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance, earlier in the day, departed for Pakistan's capital of Islamabad to take part in talks with Iran, expressing optimism about the negotiations while warning against any lack of sincerity from Tehran.

Addressing reporters before departure, Vance said the United States is open to constructive engagement if Iran approaches the discussions in good faith.

"We're looking forward to the negotiation. I think it's going to be positive. As the president of the United States said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand," he said.

However, he cautioned that Washington would not respond favourably if Iran attempts to act in bad faith during the talks.

"If they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive," Vance added.

Vance will be leading the US delegation to Islamabad for talks this weekend.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, along with Vance, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, will be part of the delegation.

The first round of those talks will take place on Saturday morning, local time.

The meeting between the two sides is set to take place to end the over-month-long conflict in West Asia and follows an immediate ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran for two weeks.

According to Iranian state media reports, the Iranian delegation will be led by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a central figure in Tehran's wartime leadership structure who has taken on strategic responsibilities since the early phase of the conflict.

Iran has yet to confirm if senior officials such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Bager Ghalibaf have travelled to Pakistan to negotiate with the United States, as reported by the state media.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Setting preconditions before talks even begin doesn't seem like a recipe for success. Both the US and Iran need to come to the table with an open mind. The involvement of Jared Kushner is interesting, given his past role in the Abraham Accords. Let's hope diplomacy wins.
A
Arjun K
The release of blocked assets is a major point for Iran. It's their money, after all. But the US will likely use it as leverage. Pakistan hosting these talks is significant. Hope our neighbor facilitates a genuine dialogue and not just a photo-op. The region can't afford more conflict.
P
Priya S
Vance's warning about "playing" them sounds a bit aggressive right at the start. Negotiations require patience and respect. The ceasefire extension to Israeli operations in Lebanon is the trickiest part. Israel will never agree to stop targeting Hezbollah. This precondition might be a non-starter. 🤔
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, my primary concern is for our citizens working in the Gulf and for oil prices. Every flare-up there sends shockwaves here. I appreciate Iran stating its terms clearly, but hope they are not so rigid that talks collapse before they begin. The world needs this peace.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions "over-month-long conflict". It feels much longer. The human cost is terrible. While I understand the strategic posturing, I respectfully think both sides should drop the public preconditions and talk privately first. This public grandstanding helps no one. Just my two cents.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50