Khaberni - After the American Vice President JD Vance warned Iran against deceit during the negotiations, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, linked the start of talks with the American side to implementing two measures, which he said had been previously agreed upon: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
He wrote in a post on X platform this Friday that these steps are part of commitments made by the parties, and he alerted to the necessity of not starting the negotiations before fulfilling them, amid escalating disputes over the ceasefire terms and the continuation of hostilities in Lebanon.
He also stated, "Two measures out of the mutually agreed measures have not yet been implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets. These two matters must be implemented before initiating the negotiations."
In turn, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that "Amiriya needs to commit to its pledges to include Lebanon in the ceasefire and to stop Israeli attacks on it," according to official media reports.
Warning of American Deceit
This came after Vance assured before boarding the plane to head to Islamabad where the negotiations will be held, that he looks forward to positive negotiations with Iran.
However, he also warned Tehran against "deceiving" his country at the same time.
He added to reporters before leaving Washington, "We look forward to the negotiations. I think they will be positive." He continued, "As the President of the United States said, if the Iranians are ready to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly ready to extend an open hand.. But if they try to deceive us, they will find the negotiating team is not that responsive."
Widespread Confusion
There was widespread confusion surrounding the issue of Lebanon and whether it was included in a temporary ceasefire between Iran and America, announced by Pakistan at dawn on Wednesday. At that time, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, confirmed that the truce, which lasted for two weeks, includes Lebanon. However, later, American President Donald Trump and Vance announced that it was not included.
Late sources then revealed that Trump pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce raids on Lebanese territory, after which Netanyahu announced in a recorded speech last night, Thursday, that he had directed talks with the Lebanese authorities.
