Belgian FM sees Iran-US talks as opportunity for comprehensive peace

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on Monday told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington offer an opportunity that must be seized to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement, including for Lebanon. Speaking following the phone conversation, Prevot stressed that every effort must be made on both sides to reach swiftly a peace agreement while ensuring respect for Lebanese territorial integrity. "I told Minister Araghchi that the talks with the US offer an opportunity that must be seized," he wrote on X, adding that Lebanon's territorial integrity must be respected by Israel.

Regional Stability Concerns

Prevot also urged Iran to cease what he described as a "destabilizing" role in the region, including through support for proxy groups. The Belgian minister noted that the region and the wider world had already suffered extensively from ongoing hostilities. He emphasized that Tehran must halt its support for non-state actors undermining stability across the Middle East.

Maritime Navigation

During the conversation, Prevot raised concerns regarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments. "I insisted upon the obligation to respect the right of transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with international law," he said. "According to Belgium, there should not be any obstacle, any payment of any sort," Prevot added, referring to potential restrictions on maritime traffic.

Conflict Background

Tensions in the Middle East have remained high since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran retaliated with attacks targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, alongside the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement.