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Iran Demands Lebanon Ceasefire, Asset Release Before US Talks

A high-level Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has arrived in Islamabad for scheduled negotiations with the United States. Iran has set clear preconditions for the talks, demanding a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of its blocked assets. The negotiations follow a two-week conditional truce, though tensions persist as Israel continues strikes against the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Pakistani officials received the delegation and expressed hope for constructive engagement to find a durable solution to the conflict.

Key Points: Iran Sets Preconditions for US Talks in Islamabad

  • Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad for US talks
  • Preconditions include Lebanon ceasefire and asset release
  • Talks follow a two-week conditional truce
  • Strained ceasefire as Israel continues strikes on Hezbollah
2 min read

Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad for talks

Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad for US negotiations, demanding a Lebanon ceasefire and release of blocked assets as key preconditions.

"stopping the attacks on Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefire - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian & Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf"

Islamabad, April 11

A high-level Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to participate in the upcoming talks with the United States, Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The delegation also includes Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

According to the statement, the Iranian delegation was received upon arrival by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, along with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

Ishaq Dar expressed hope that the parties would engage constructively and reiterated Pakistan's willingness to continue facilitating efforts toward a lasting and durable solution to the conflict, Xinhua news agency reported.

The United States and Iran are scheduled to begin negotiations on Saturday morning during the diplomatic window of a two-week conditional truce announced on Tuesday, more than one month after the start of US-Israeli joint military strikes on Iran.

The ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been strained as Israel continues striking Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf have stressed that stopping the attacks on Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Friday demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations with the United States.

He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X while elaborating on Iran's preconditions for taking part in the talks to ease tensions in the Middle East, which are expected to take place in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the warring parties.

Also, Foreign Minister Araghchi, earlier on Friday called on the United States to fulfill its commitments under the ceasefire regarding the necessity to stop Israel's attacks against Lebanon, the official news agency IRNA reported.

He made the remarks in a phone call with Iran's proposed ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, on Friday afternoon, while condemning Israel's ongoing "military aggressions and crimes" against Lebanon and underlining the full support and solidarity of the Iranian government and people for and with Lebanon's "legitimate resistance" against Israel.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The preconditions from Iran seem reasonable. If Israel continues strikes in Lebanon, what's the point of a truce? The US needs to rein in its ally for any talks to be meaningful.
A
Aman W
While I hope for peace, I'm skeptical. These talks happen, then fighting resumes. The common people in Lebanon and Iran suffer the most. The world powers just play their games.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Pakistan in this mediator role. From an Indian perspective, we must watch closely. Any major shift in Iran-US relations or Pakistan's standing can have indirect effects on our foreign policy calculus.
V
Vikram M
The mention of Iran's blocked assets is key. Economic pressure is a major tool. If talks are to succeed, there has to be some financial relief for Iran. It's a basic confidence-building measure.
K
Karthik V
With respect, I think Pakistan's facilitation is being overplayed here. The real negotiation is between Washington and Tehran. The host country is just providing the venue. The outcome depends on the two main parties.
N
Nisha Z
The humanitarian angle is missing from most reports. Let's hope these talks lead to a permanent solution so that families in the region can live without fear. Our thoughts are with them.

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

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