Iran says no negotiations without Lebanon ceasefire, release of assets!

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, has declared that Iran will not enter negotiations with the United States unless a ceasefire is established in Lebanon and blocked Iranian assets are released. This stance follows a fragile ceasefire agreement intended to halt hostilities triggered by a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation in February. Despite the truce, Qalibaf accuses the Trump administration of violating a 10-point proposal, citing ongoing strikes in Lebanon, drone incursions into Iranian airspace, and interference with uranium enrichment.

Diplomatic tensions remain high as Vice President Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner prepare for high-stakes talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his cabinet to pursue negotiations with Lebanon aimed at disarming Hezbollah. However, the conflict continues to escalate on the ground, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam seeking intervention from the United Nations Security Council following record casualties. For now, the prospect of a broader bilateral ceasefire remains stalled by these conflicting geopolitical demands.