Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, Jun 16: Iran has reiterated that Lebanon remains an integral part of the understanding reached to end the ongoing regional conflict, even as Israel rejected the claim and insisted that Lebanon is not included in the recently announced US-Iran peace framework.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran's position on Lebanon had remained unchanged throughout the negotiations.
“Lebanon and the end of the war in Lebanon is an integral part of the understanding of ending the war. We have shown in the past that we are determined in this regard. In this regard, we have proven in practice that we are serious,” Baghaei was quoted as saying by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.
He said Iran would closely monitor future developments and use all available means to ensure that commitments made by other parties under the agreement are honoured.
“In the future, we will definitely monitor developments closely and, wherever necessary, we will use all our tools to ensure that the obligations of the other parties are fulfilled,” he said.
Baghaei also indicated that further details of the diplomatic aspects of the agreement would be released shortly.
“Details of the diplomatic aspects of the agreement will be made public soon, and the method and mechanism for signing the memorandum of understanding will be decided and officially announced today and tomorrow,” he said.
The Iranian spokesperson criticised international institutions, including the United Nations Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency, accusing them of failing to respond adequately to the actions of Israel and the United States during the conflict.
“The Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency failed the test of independence. They remained silent in the face of the crimes of the Zionist regime and the United States,” Baghaei said.
Describing the memorandum of understanding as a result of Iran’s resistance, he said the agreement reflected the determination of the Iranian people during the conflict.
Baghaei also referred to the situation in Lebanon, expressing solidarity with those affected by the war.
“At the same time as the efforts are escalating, we have witnessed the crimes of the regime in Lebanon. We should congratulate and offer our condolences to the Lebanese people, the survivors and the families of the Lebanese martyrs,” he said.
He further stated that all decisions taken by Iranian authorities were guided by national interests and broader regional considerations.
“Every development is considered and decided upon with the broad interests of the Iranian people in mind,” he said.
Baghaei added that future generations would recognise Iran’s role during the conflict.
“Future generations will see that the Islamic Republic of Iran and its friends did not allow the regime's wickedness to disrupt the focus on the interests of the people of Iran and Lebanon,” he said.
However, Israel strongly disputed Iran’s interpretation of the agreement. Speaking to ANI, Reuven Azar said Lebanon was not part of the peace framework.
“Lebanon is not part of this agreement. The future of Lebanon has to be determined by the government of Lebanon, which is negotiating a peace deal with Israel at this point,” Azar said.
The differing positions underscore continuing disagreements over the scope of the US-Iran peace framework announced by Donald Trump, who has described the agreement as a major step towards restoring regional peace, security and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
A formal signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding is expected later this week.