Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, speaking to reporters in Tehran, said conducting talks is dependent on Washington meeting its commitments under a ceasefire understanding brokered by Pakistan.
"The halting of the war in Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefire understanding proposed by Pakistan, and as the prime minister of that country also explicitly announced, the United States is committed to stopping the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and any action or position contrary to this commitment would be tantamount to the United States not adhering to its commitment," Baqaei said, according to Tasnim News Agency.
Baqaei strongly condemned what he called crimes committed by the Zionist regime in Lebanon, offered condolences from the Iranian people and government to the families of those killed, and prayed for the recovery of the wounded. He praised what he described as the legendary resistance of the Lebanese people against Israeli savagery and expansionism, and said their support for Iran during recent US-Israeli military action had deepened ties.
"Today the solidarity and sympathy between the peoples of Iran and Lebanon is greater than at any time in history," he said.
Asked about the timing and venue for talks with the US, Baqaei confirmed that Pakistan has invited both parties to Islamabad, adding that the proposal is under review and being planned. He said the holding of any talks is without doubt conditional upon obtaining assurance of US fulfillment of ceasefire obligations on all fronts. If travel is finalized, he said, the composition of Iran's delegation will be announced, Tasnim News Agency reported.
Call with France
In a separate diplomatic move on Thursday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged European governments to act to stop Israeli strikes on Lebanon, Tasnim News Agency reported.
During a telephone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Araqchi said Iran is witnessing a severe violation of the ceasefire.
"Unfortunately, we are witnessing a severe violation of the ceasefire and continued savage attacks by the Israeli regime against Lebanon. This is while the cessation of the aggressors' attacks in the region and Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefire understanding, which has also been emphasized by the Pakistani mediator," Araqchi told his French counterpart.
Araqchi stressed the need for a serious reaction and intervention by the international community, including European countries, to halt the attacks. Barrot, for his part, welcomed the cessation of the war and expressed hope that progress in negotiations would lead to lasting stability and peace, while also emphasizing the necessity of stopping Israeli attacks against Lebanon, according to Tasnim News Agency.
Background to the Ceasefire
Both officials referred to a conflict that escalated after what Tasnim News Agency described as a large-scale unprovoked military campaign by the US and the Israeli regime against Iran following the assassination of then Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians, on February 28.
In retaliation, Tasnim News Agency reported, Iranian Armed Forces launched attacks on American and Israeli positions in the region, inflicting heavy damage on US and Israeli military resources while rallying national unity.
Pakistani mediation subsequently facilitated an agreement for a two-week ceasefire during which negotiations would take place in Islamabad. Iran has proposed a ten-point plan as the foundation for discussions, seeking terms such as the withdrawal of US forces from the region, lifting sanctions, and establishing control over the Strait of Hormuz.
On April 8, Iran's Supreme National Security Council emphasized that the aggression led to what it called a historic victory for Iran, compelling the US to accept negotiation terms, including a plan for guaranteed non-aggression and the cessation of hostilities, Tasnim News Agency reported.
Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that the negotiations would not signify an end to the conflict but rather an extension of the battlefield into diplomatic efforts, maintaining a clear stance of distrust towards the US.