Middle East Conflict: Iran Places Major Condition Before US, Demands End To Israel Attacks On Lebanon

Tehran: Iran has issued a significant statement amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon. On Sunday, Tehran clearly warned that it would not engage in negotiations for any comprehensive agreement with the US without an end to the war in Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei wrote on the social media platform X that negotiations for a final agreement are not possible without addressing all provisions—including Article 1—and, crucially, without ending the war on all fronts (including Lebanon).

This statement comes as direct talks between the US and Iran are set to begin in Switzerland. Pakistan is playing the role of the primary mediator in these discussions. Senior officials from all three nations have gathered at the Bürgenstock Resort near Lucerne. The main objective of the talks is to move towards the implementation of the recently signed 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the second phase of a peace agreement, which encompasses the nuclear issue and a ceasefire in Lebanon. The 60-day deadline for reaching a final agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program has emerged as a major challenge for the negotiators.

Did US Vice President JD Vance Arrive in Switzerland?

US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland early Sunday morning, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had arrived late Saturday night. Delegations from both sides are scheduled to meet today at the Bürgenstock Resort. The talks are expected to focus primarily on three issues:

*   Implementation of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding
*   Stability on the Lebanon front
*   Security of maritime trade routes in the Strait of Hormuz

Before departing for Switzerland, JD Vance stated that their top priorities were establishing the framework for negotiations, making progress on nuclear issues, and achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon. He added that they would keep both the top-level political leadership and the technical teams actively engaged.

Talks Despite Rising Tensions?

It is worth noting that these talks are taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region. Iranian military officials have warned of closing the Strait of Hormuz again, citing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon. The US has also been accused of failing to implement key provisions of the agreement. However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is continuing as usual. Spokesperson Tim Hawkins reported that 55 commercial vessels—carrying a total of over 17 million barrels of oil—passed through the route on Saturday. CENTCOM emphasized that Iran does not control this strategic waterway.

Did Lebanon Crisis Complicate Matters?

Ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have complicated diplomatic efforts. According to Lebanon's Ministry of Health, more than 4,000 people have been killed since March. Furthermore, dozens of people have suffered casualties in recent Israeli airstrikes. Both sides are accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. Hezbollah claims that the Israeli campaign is an attempt to undermine the US-Iran diplomatic process.