Iran will not enter negotiations until key preconditions are met, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf said on Friday, insisting that a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Tehran’s blocked assets must come first.
In a post on X, Qalibaf made clear that talks cannot proceed without prior commitments being honoured. “Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations,” he wrote.
“These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin,” he added, underscoring Iran’s hardened stance as diplomatic efforts gather pace.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said the United States must adhere to its commitments, including ensuring that Lebanon is part of the ceasefire and halting Israeli attacks on the country. According to state media, Araghchi stressed that the terms of the agreement are clear and warned that continued Israeli operations against Lebanon risk undermining the broader ceasefire framework.
Ghalibaf’s statement comes as US Vice President JD Vance leaves for Islamabad for the peace talks on Friday. Before heading to Pakistan, Vance warned Iran not to “play” the US.
