Iran urges timetable for unconditional Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday urged the United States to establish a clear timetable for Israel's unconditional withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, calling the move essential for any sustainable peace agreement under the recently signed memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington. "Ending the war and military operations of the Zionist regime against Lebanon, as well as the withdrawal of occupiers from all occupied Lebanese territories, is a necessary condition for reaching a final and sustainable agreement to establish stability in the region," Baqaei said in a news briefing carried by ISNA News Agency.

He added that Tehran considers safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as "the dignity and security of all Lebanese people," as "essential" for the durability of any agreement related to ending the war with the US. Baqaei noted that Iran expects Washington to fulfill its commitments under the memorandum and "take all necessary measures to force the Zionist regime to stop any aggression and military operations against all Lebanese regions," emphasizing that Tehran seeks "the swift determination of a timetable for unconditional withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories."

Parliament speaker's remarks

Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf told Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in a phone call that Tehran is "seriously pursuing" the end of the war in Lebanon, according to Iranian media. Qalibaf said one of the main issues discussed during last week’s talks with the US in Switzerland was "ending the war in Lebanon and restoring the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," adding that the issue forms a central part of the first clause of the Islamabad memorandum.

He stated that following Iran’s objections over violations of the provision, it was agreed to establish a conflict-control unit between Iran, the US and Lebanon to monitor implementation. "Our goal is ending the war in Lebanon, returning displaced people to their homes, ending the occupation and securing the withdrawal of the Zionist regime from Lebanese territory," Qalibaf said, as diplomatic efforts continue to implement the broader 14-point understanding reached after weeks of regional military escalation.