Iran-US Peace Talks: Tehran Demands Five Key Conditions Before Final Agreement
Iran’s negotiations with the United States face a pivotal moment as Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf announced that Tehran will not engage in discussions for a final agreement until five essential provisions of the recently signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) are implemented. This declaration comes just ahead of renewed negotiations scheduled in Doha, where US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about potential diplomatic advancements while emphasizing that Iran will not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran Sets Preconditions for Further Negotiations
In a statement to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB TV, Ghalibaf, who leads Iran’s negotiating team, specified that discussions on the remaining provisions of the peace MoU will not commence until five preliminary commitments are fulfilled. He noted that Iran’s recent diplomatic mission to Switzerland was focused on implementing initial provisions aimed at resolving regional conflicts.
The five priority measures identified by Ghalibaf include:
- Ending military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon.
- Lifting the US naval blockade.
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Issuing US waivers to facilitate Iranian crude oil exports.
- Releasing frozen Iranian financial assets.
Ghalibaf stated, “Unless these five preliminary paragraphs are fulfilled, the implementation of the remaining paragraphs will not begin.” His remarks highlight Tehran’s stance that practical implementation is a prerequisite for negotiations on a comprehensive settlement.
Establishment of a Joint Committee for Lebanon Ceasefire
Ghalibaf also revealed that Iran, the United States, and Lebanon have agreed to form a joint committee tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and ensuring an end to the conflict in Lebanon. This committee will also oversee efforts to protect Lebanese sovereignty and ensure compliance with the agreed-upon arrangements.
Both Iran and the United States have appointed representatives to the committee, while Lebanon is expected to finalize its appointments soon. Ghalibaf emphasized that Iran will continue to pursue diplomatic avenues while retaining its military response capabilities if necessary. He remarked, “Iran both pursues the path of dialogue and responds with force wherever necessary,” reflecting Tehran’s strategy of balancing diplomatic engagement with military readiness.
Trump Expresses Optimism Ahead of Doha Meeting
US President Donald Trump conveyed an optimistic outlook regarding the upcoming negotiations, stating that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons while discussions are ongoing. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that American officials were en route to Qatar for another round of discussions set to take place in Doha.
“There’ll be a meeting on that tomorrow, in Doha… we’ll see how that goes,” Trump remarked. He characterized the Doha meeting as potentially significant, though he acknowledged uncertainty about its outcomes. Trump also asserted that recent US military actions targeting Iran’s nuclear program have bolstered Washington’s negotiating position, emphasizing that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a core objective of US policy.
Peace Memorandum Signed in June
These diplomatic efforts follow the signing of a peace memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States on June 18, aimed at reducing hostilities and establishing a framework for broader regional stability. The agreement represented a notable breakthrough after months of escalating tensions and military exchanges that raised concerns about a wider regional conflict.
While the memorandum outlines a roadmap for de-escalation, many provisions require phased implementation before negotiations on a comprehensive settlement can proceed. Iran’s insistence on fulfilling initial commitments underscores the complexities involved in translating diplomatic agreements into actionable steps.
Technical Negotiations Held in Switzerland
Following the signing of the MoU, technical negotiations between Iranian and American officials commenced in Switzerland on June 22. These discussions followed high-level consultations held the previous day between senior delegations from both nations. Pakistan and Qatar acted as mediators during these consultations, facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran amid ongoing international efforts to prevent renewed escalation.
The technical discussions focused on implementing the memorandum’s provisions and establishing mechanisms for monitoring compliance, thereby laying the groundwork for future political negotiations.
Challenges Ahead in the Diplomatic Process
Despite the cautious optimism expressed by both sides, significant challenges remain before a comprehensive agreement can be achieved. Iran continues to assert that tangible steps—such as easing economic restrictions, restoring oil exports, and releasing frozen assets—must precede discussions on a broader framework for a final peace accord.
Conversely, the United States maintains its emphasis on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while seeking greater regional stability through diplomatic means. The forthcoming talks in Doha are anticipated to provide early insights into whether both parties can bridge existing gaps and transition from preliminary confidence-building measures to a lasting agreement.
For now, Tehran’s conditions clearly indicate that implementation—not merely promises—will dictate the progression of negotiations to the next stage.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
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Published on 2026-07-01 11:26:00 • By the Editorial Desk
