Iran's Foreign Minister Sets Peace Deal Conditions

Kathmandu. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has put forward the end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, as the most important condition for a potential peace deal with the United States. According to him, no understanding can be considered complete until the conflicts on various fronts in West Asia end. "In our understanding, there are two parties to this agreement - on one side the United States and Israel, and on the other side Iran and Hezbollah," Araghchi further clarified in a briefing with foreign diplomats on state television, adding, "The most important thing is the immediate and permanent end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. The end of the war in Lebanon is an integral part of the complete end of the war." This comment comes after Tehran and Washington announced a Memorandum of Understanding on February 28 with the aim of ending the West Asian war. The war had spread after an attack by the United States-Israel in Iran. After the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Iran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel with rockets, drawing Lebanon into war in early March. Israel then intensified its military operations and ground attacks in Lebanon. According to Araghchi, the war cannot be considered over until the Israeli army completely withdraws from the occupied territories. He said, "This war will not be considered over until the Israeli army withdraws from the occupied territories." Interpreting Israel's continuous military activities as a violation of the agreement, he said, "Any military attack by the Zionist regime in Lebanon or continuous occupation of Lebanese territory will be a violation of the Memorandum of Understanding." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has stated that the Israeli army will remain in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza as long as necessary. Immediately after the announcement of the agreement on Monday, Hezbollah claimed to have attacked Israeli forces advancing in southern Lebanon. A formal agreement between Iran and the United States is expected to take place in Switzerland on Friday. According to Foreign Minister Araghchi, detailed talks on Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions will begin after the signing. He said, "Perhaps on Friday, a new round of talks for the final agreement between Iran and the United States will begin at a certain place." According to Araghchi, the final agreement will be decisive on controlling nuclear activities and removing sanctions imposed on Iran. This is seen as an important step for long-term peace in West Asia.