Iran deputy FM says ‘ready to move forward’ in deal with US | Donald Trump News
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated Friday that Tehran remains open to diplomatic talks with Washington provided the U.S. ensures Israel stops attacks on Lebanon. This condition follows the cancellation of planned U.S.-Iran meetings in Switzerland after Israeli strikes killed at least 47 people in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
Why were the U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland cancelled?
Planned negotiations in Burgenstock, Switzerland, were called off Friday. U.S. Vice President JD Vance cancelled his trip to the summit, according to Al Jazeera reports. The collapse of the meeting coincided with a surge in violence between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 47 deaths since midnight Friday resulting from Israeli attacks. Saeed Khatibzadeh told Al Jazeera Arabic that Israel’s “continued war-making” would lead to “serious and immediate consequences.”
What are the core requirements for the U.S.-Iran MoU?
Tehran is linking its diplomatic progress to specific security and financial benchmarks. Khatibzadeh stated that Iran is ready to move “step by step,” but only if Washington demonstrates equal seriousness in enforcing the MoU terms.
Beyond the ceasefire in Lebanon, Iran has demanded the release of all frozen Iranian funds as a requirement for any future agreement. Khatibzadeh noted that Iran seeks “peace on all fronts,” specifically mentioning Gaza, due to the direct connection between these conflicts and regional stability.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s ministry of foreign affairs, confirmed Friday that consultations continue through mediators. He stated that an official announcement on negotiations will only occur once the necessary conditions are met.
How will the Strait of Hormuz be managed?
Iran will continue providing navigation services in the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Oman, according to Khatibzadeh. This operation will follow international law.
The current agreement includes a 60-day grace period during which Tehran will not impose passage fees. However, Khatibzadeh warned that a new mechanism for managing the waterway will be introduced to regional countries once this 60-day window expires.
Will the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire hold?
Both sides have issued conditional commitments to peace. A Hezbollah official told Al Jazeera that the ceasefire would hold only if Israel abides by the terms.
Contrasting this, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, stated on X that Israel remains “firmly committed to an immediate ceasefire.” Leiter asserted that if Hezbollah ceases hostilities, they “will be met with quiet.”
Comparison of Ceasefire Positions
| Entity | Stated Condition for Peace | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | U.S. must ensure Israel stops Lebanon attacks | Saeed Khatibzadeh |
| Hezbollah | Ceasefire holds if Israel abides | Hezbollah Official |
| Israel | Quiet follows if Hezbollah ceases hostilities | Yechiel Leiter |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main obstacle to the U.S.-Iran talks?
The primary obstacle is the ongoing military conflict in Lebanon. Iran requires the U.S. to ensure Israel stops its attacks before diplomacy can move forward.
Who cancelled the Switzerland trip?
U.S. Vice President JD Vance cancelled his planned trip to Switzerland following intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
What happens to the Strait of Hormuz after 60 days?
According to Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran will introduce a new mechanism for managing the waterway and passage fees after the initial 60-day fee-free period.
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