The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has articulated Tehran’s conditions for engaging in talks with the United States, linking them directly to the ongoing military operations by the Israeli Defense Forces against the Iranian-aligned group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
In a statement on social media on April 8, Araghchi emphasized that the terms for a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US are clear: the US must choose between halting hostilities or continuing the conflict through Israel. He stated, “They cannot have both… The ball is in the US’s court, and the world is watching to see if they will fulfill their obligations.”
Israel has previously asserted that any ceasefire does not extend to its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israeli military’s strikes on the group are not regarded as violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes have targeted Beirut and other regions in Lebanon, resulting in at least 80 fatalities and over 200 injuries, according to Red Cross officials.
In response to the escalating violence, the Israeli Foreign Ministry has urged the Lebanese government to take more decisive action against Hezbollah, claiming that Beirut has failed to meet its obligations to restrain the group.
Additionally, Iranian media have reported that the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz has been halted following the Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The Financial Times has noted that Iran is contemplating charging a fee for the transit of tankers through the strait, proposing a rate of one dollar per barrel of oil.
Iran's Foreign Minister has linked negotiations with the US to the cessation of Israeli military actions against Hezbollah, raising tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties in Lebanon, prompting calls for Lebanese action against Hezbollah.