Iran Deputy FM Expresses Readiness for Progress on US Deal

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has stated that diplomacy is a viable path forward for relations between Iran and the US, but emphasized the need for Israel to cease its attacks on Lebanon. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, Khatibzadeh expressed his country’s willingness to continue diplomatic efforts with the US, provided that the other party demonstrates similar seriousness.

The talks between the two countries were initially scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday but were cancelled due to reports of intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The violence has resulted in at least 47 deaths since midnight, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Khatibzadeh condemned the Israeli attacks, stating that they would have “serious and immediate consequences.” He reiterated Iran’s commitment to achieving peace on all fronts, including Gaza, and emphasized the importance of ending the occupation of Lebanon as part of a broader ceasefire arrangement.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the US and Iran this week includes provisions for cooperation on regional issues, including navigation services in the Strait of Hormuz. Khatibzadeh confirmed that Iran would continue to provide these services in coordination with Oman and in accordance with international law.

He also stated that any future agreement must include the release of all frozen Iranian funds. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s ministry of foreign affairs, said that necessary consultations involving the US are being carried out through mediators, pending conditions for starting negotiations.

A Hezbollah official told Al Jazeera that a ceasefire would hold if Israel abided by it, while Israel’s ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter stated that Israel remains committed to an immediate ceasefire.

Source: Al Jazeera