Tehran/Geneva, 22 June (H.S.):

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that significant progress has been made towards ending the regional conflict through the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar. However, he stressed that the effective implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon remains the greatest challenge.

According to Iran's state-run news agency Press TV, Araghchi, in a statement posted on social media platform X on Monday, praised the tireless mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar, saying several positive steps had been taken towards ending the conflict. He claimed that concessions had been made regarding oil and petrochemical exports, certain sanctions had been eased, and work had begun on reconstruction and development projects. However, he emphasised that the ultimate success of these efforts would depend on the full implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

The statement came after the first round of high-level technical talks between Iran and the United States concluded in Switzerland. According to Iranian officials, multilateral (quadrilateral) meetings were suspended following recent remarks and warning statements by US President Donald Trump. However, both sides agreed to continue discussions at the technical level.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the primary objective of the talks was to discuss the implementation of previously reached agreements. He stated that no final agreement would be possible without an end to the conflict and the restoration of regional stability.

Baghaei added that progress had also been made on issues related to authorisations for Iran's oil exports, the release of frozen financial assets, and ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran would closely monitor the implementation of commitments made by the United States.

Meanwhile, Qatar and Pakistan issued a joint statement describing the negotiations as positive and constructive. The statement said the parties had agreed to establish an institutional mechanism for future technical discussions and to form a high-level committee to provide political oversight of the process.

According to sources, Iran has made it clear that no further progress on other issues will be possible unless the conditions related to ending military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, are fully implemented.

Responding to the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said pressure and threats would not alter Iran's policies. He warned that the Iranian armed forces were fully prepared to respond to any challenge.

Amid continuing regional tensions, the implementation of the Lebanon ceasefire and the progress of Iran-US negotiations are expected to remain at the centre of political developments in West Asia in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar