Iran has raised serious objections to ongoing diplomatic efforts with the United States, calling both the ceasefire and proposed negotiations “unreasonable” in light of what it describes as violations of agreed terms. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Washington had failed to uphold key elements of Iran’s 10-point framework, casting doubt on the viability of talks scheduled to begin in Pakistan.
Ghalibaf pointed to multiple issues, including continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, an alleged drone intrusion into Iranian airspace after the ceasefire took effect, and the US refusal to accept Iran’s right to uranium enrichment. According to him, these developments undermine trust and make further negotiations difficult, even as diplomatic channels remain formally open.
The remarks come at a time when the fragile ceasefire is already showing signs of strain. While both sides have publicly claimed gains, they remain sharply divided over fundamental aspects of the agreement. Iran has consistently argued that the ceasefire must apply across all fronts, including Israeli operations in Lebanon, whereas the United States and Israel have rejected that interpretation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reinforced this broader view, stating that ending hostilities in Lebanon is an essential part of any meaningful ceasefire. He emphasised that continued violence in the region contradicts the spirit of the agreement and places responsibility on the United States to ensure compliance.
In contrast, US officials have maintained that the ceasefire is limited strictly to the US-Iran conflict. President Donald Trump described Israel’s actions against Hezbollah as a separate issue, while the White House reiterated that Lebanon was never included in the terms of the truce. This divergence in interpretation has become a central point of contention ahead of the planned negotiations.
Israel has also maintained its position, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming that military operations against Hezbollah will continue regardless of the ceasefire. He stated that Israel has achieved significant strategic gains and remains prepared to resume broader military action if necessary, indicating that the current pause does not signal an end to the conflict.
Despite these tensions, preparations for talks in Islamabad are moving forward. The US delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, while Iranian representatives are expected to include senior leadership figures. However, the deep disagreements over ceasefire scope, regional dynamics, and nuclear policy highlight the challenges facing negotiators.
Overall, the situation reflects a complex and fragile diplomatic environment, where ongoing military actions and conflicting interpretations of agreements are complicating efforts to reach a lasting resolution. The upcoming talks will play a critical role in determining whether the current truce can evolve into a more stable and comprehensive settlement.
