Iran insists on Lebanon truce, asset release before US talks

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf declared on Friday that two key elements of the ceasefire agreement must be fulfilled before any negotiations with the United States can proceed. “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,” Qalibaf wrote on social media. “These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin,” he added.

Ceasefire Includes Lebanon

In a separate phone call with Iran’s designated ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised that the Iran‑US ceasefire understanding explicitly includes Lebanon. He called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks on the country and urged Washington to abide by its obligations. The remarks underline Tehran’s position that any lasting peace must extend beyond the bilateral US‑Iran front to encompass Lebanon and the wider region.

Pakistan’s Mediation and Upcoming Talks

Pakistan, together with Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, brokered a two‑week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran on Wednesday, exactly 40 days after the US‑Israeli attacks on Iran began on 28 February. As part of the deal, both sides agreed to meet in Islamabad for direct talks aimed at negotiating a lasting peace. The coming days will test whether the parties can bridge their differences over Lebanon, the release of frozen assets, and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz.