Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated on June 19 that Tehran is willing to continue the diplomatic process with the United States, provided Washington is genuinely committed to respecting the agreement and ensuring Israel complies with the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU).
“We are ready to take steps forward if the other side shows similar seriousness,” Khatibzadeh told Al Jazeera Arabic in an interview on June 19.
The statement came after talks between the US and Iran, scheduled for the same day in Switzerland, were canceled. US Vice President JD Vance also canceled his trip to Switzerland. Earlier, mediators including Pakistan and Qatar had indicated the two sides would meet at Burgenstock to begin negotiations on the issues outlined in the agreement signed this week.
Reports suggest the talks may have been called off following intense clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on June 19. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli attacks had killed at least 47 people since midnight.
Khatibzadeh condemned the latest Israeli attacks in Lebanon, arguing that Israel’s “continued waging of war” would have “immediate and serious consequences.” He said Iran is seeking “peace on all fronts, including Gaza” and explained that Lebanon was included in the agreement because of its direct connection to the conflict.
Article 1 of the agreement stipulates that ending the war in Lebanon is an integral part of a broader ceasefire across all fronts. “There will be no peace or stability in Lebanon and the region without an end to occupation and without Israel committing to abide by international law,” Khatibzadeh added.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Khatibzadeh said Iran will continue to provide pilotage services in coordination with Oman and in compliance with international law. Tehran will not impose transit fees during the 60-day period as agreed, but will introduce a new management mechanism for the waterway thereafter and present it to regional countries.
He also said any future agreement must include the release of all of Iran’s frozen assets.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the same day that necessary consultations regarding the deal with the US are being conducted through intermediaries. If the conditions for starting talks are met, an official announcement will be made.
On the need for a ceasefire in Lebanon to continue US-Iran negotiations, a Hezbollah official told Al Jazeera that the ceasefire would hold if Israel respects it. Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter declared on social media platform X: “Israel remains firmly committed to an immediate ceasefire. If Hezbollah respects the agreement and ceases hostilities, they will be met with quiet in return.”
