Iran has set firm conditions for re-engaging in talks with the United States, insisting that critical elements of a recently signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) be implemented first. The Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, stated that without the fulfillment of these initial provisions, further negotiations on a final agreement will not proceed.
These conditions originate from the MoU signed on ending hostilities in the region, focusing on five fundamental points. They include a joint effort to end the war in Lebanon, lifting the US naval blockade, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, issuing waivers for Iranian crude exports, and releasing frozen Iranian assets. According to Qalibaf, these preliminary measures must be fully enacted before advancing to other parts of the agreement.
Iran, the United States, and Lebanon agreed to establish a joint committee tasked with enforcing the ceasefire, ending the conflict in Lebanon, and protecting Lebanese sovereignty. Iran and the US have already appointed their representatives to this committee. Qalibaf emphasized that Iran remains open to dialogue but stands ready to respond with force if necessary.
In parallel, US President Donald Trump expressed a cautiously optimistic view of the upcoming talks scheduled to take place in Doha. Trump highlighted Iran’s commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons ahead of negotiations and underscored recent US military measures aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program as leverage in diplomatic efforts. The talks reflect ongoing attempts to end conflict and ease tensions in the region, with technical meetings already underway in Switzerland following high-level consultations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar.
This diplomatic effort follows the MoU signed between Iran and the US in mid-June, which aims to de-escalate conflict fronts and reopen channels for economic and political engagement. Whether the five key provisions will be executed remains crucial for the trajectory of the talks and regional stability.