Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on June 1, "A ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. clearly includes a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon. Any violation of the ceasefire on one front constitutes a violation on all fronts. The responsibility for any violations lies with the U.S. and Israel."
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of Iran's negotiating team and Speaker of Parliament, also commented on X, asserting, "The U.S. maritime blockade and the war crimes committed by the Zionist regime (Israel) in Lebanon are clear evidence of U.S. violations of the ceasefire."
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, emphasized during a regular briefing that the U.S. is behind all current events in Lebanon, stating, "The ceasefire in Lebanon is a fundamental condition for all negotiations aimed at ending the conflict."
The call for a ceasefire in Lebanon has been a longstanding demand from Iran in the context of peace negotiations. However, the renewed emphasis from key Iranian figures appears to be an attempt to pressure the U.S. and Israel amid the current stalemate in talks.
This renewed focus comes in response to Israel's recent escalation of bombings and occupation in Lebanon. It may also relate to the revised ceasefire MOU reportedly communicated to Iran by the U.S.
The New York Times reported on May 30, citing three officials, that Trump had not approved the preliminary ceasefire agreement and had instead imposed stricter conditions, sending a revised document to Iran. Specific details of the changes have not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, Baghaei noted that the U.S. and Iran continue to exchange messages regarding negotiations. He remarked, "We began negotiations amid serious distrust and skepticism, and message exchanges continue in this atmosphere." He added, "It is important to remember that diplomacy cannot replace power. Negotiations and diplomacy do not inherently signify trust between the parties involved, and these should be viewed separately."
Baghaei criticized the U.S. for frequently changing its position and introducing contradictory demands, claiming that this has prolonged the negotiations. He stated, "The situation in Lebanon is a violation of the ceasefire not only by the Zionist regime (Israel) but also, broadly speaking, by the U.S. We will take all necessary measures to defend our national security."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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