Iran has asked the US to follow through on its commitment to end the war in Lebanon. Tehran clarified that there would be no meeting with the US and that talks in Doha would only take place on technical issues such as releasing frozen Iranian funds.
Iran on Tuesday reiterated its position on the ongoing regional situation in Lebanon, saying commitments made by the United States to end the conflict “on all fronts” remain important. In a press briefing quoted by Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said that the US has made clear commitments regarding ending the war in Lebanon and it should abide by them. “The United States has made a clear commitment to end the war in Lebanon and must fulfill that commitment,” the spokesman said.
Reiterating Tehran’s position, Baghai said Iran’s stance on Lebanon remains unchanged and clear. He said, “Our position on Lebanon is clear. The American commitment to end the war on all fronts, especially in Lebanon, is important to us, in accordance with Article 1 of the Memorandum of Understanding.” Iran has repeatedly said that ending Israeli attacks and military operations in Lebanon was “an integral part” of any agreement between Iran and the United States to end the conflict in West Asia.
Reminded America of its commitment
Following the conclusion of the initial round of technical talks in Switzerland following the signing of the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran aimed at cessation of hostilities in West Asia, it was agreed that a de-confliction cell comprising the parties and Lebanon, facilitated by mediators, will be created to ensure compliance with the cessation of military operations in Lebanon under the MoU. However, Israel has repeatedly said it will not withdraw from areas captured by its forces in southern Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah.
No meeting with America
Baghai said the Islamic Republic has “no plans” to hold any meetings with the United States at any level in the coming days, even as separate diplomatic engagements continue in Doha on the respective implementation of the 14-point MOU. The spokesman said Tehran had no plans to meet with US officials in the near future. “Basically, we have no plans to meet the American side at any level in the next few days,” he said.
He clarified that the discussions scheduled in Doha are not political talks with Washington, but technical-level talks related to the implementation of previously agreed understandings, including issues related to Iran’s seized assets. “What will be done in Doha tomorrow is a discussion on the implementation of the clauses of the memorandum of understanding, including the release of Iran’s seized assets, with the Qatari side,” Baghai said.
Qatar’s statement on seized funds
Earlier, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid Mohammed al-Ansari said that $6 billion of seized Iranian funds had not yet been transferred to Tehran, adding that any such move would depend on the progress of negotiations. During a press briefing, he said the release of funds would proceed “in accordance with the progress of negotiations”, stressing that the financial arrangement is linked to ongoing diplomatic developments. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)