As world leaders prepared to attend the US-Iran high-level meeting in Zurich, Switzerland to negotiate a peace deal, Iran remained firm on implementing the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), especially on ending the war in Lebanon.
This peace MoU was signed a week ago by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian.
The US delegation (led by US Vice President JD Vance), the Iranian delegation (led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagheri) and mediator countries Pakistan and Qatar have reached Zurich to negotiate the MoU.
‘Negotiation is not possible’
Just before the start of the high-level talks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bakai said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to pursuing the process of implementing the other party’s commitments very closely and seriously.
He further said that as per paragraph 13 of the MoU, commencement of negotiations for a final agreement depends on the implementation of paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11.
“Without implementing these conditions, especially paragraph 1 (ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon), it is not possible to enter into negotiations for a final agreement,” he said sternly.
What issues were discussed in Switzerland?
He added that the focus of the talks taking place in Switzerland today will be on implementing the above paragraphs, particularly paragraph 1, as well as on reviewing the measures contemplated to implement paragraphs 10 (the issue of Iran’s oil exports) and 11 (the release of Iran’s frozen assets).
According to the first paragraph of the MoU, the US and Iran have agreed to immediately and permanently end military actions on all fronts, including in Lebanon, as well as not to use or threaten force against each other and to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty.
However, despite the signing of the MoU, attacks in Lebanon have not stopped. Even though Israel and Hezbollah declared a ceasefire, at least 20 people were reported killed in Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon in less than 24 hours.
Also read: Then war or compromise? Decision on US-Iran relations will be taken in Switzerland