Iran deputy FM ready to move forward in deal with US under conditions

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on Friday that Tehran is ready to move forward with the diplomatic process with the United States, provided Washington demonstrates seriousness in respecting the agreement and ensures Israel adheres to the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU). “We are ready to move forward step by step, if the other party demonstrates the same seriousness,” he said.

His comments came after planned US-Iran talks in Switzerland on Friday were called off, and US Vice President JD Vance canceled his scheduled trip. Earlier, mediators including Pakistan and Qatar had said the two sides would meet in Burgenstock to begin negotiations on issues outlined in the MoU signed this week. Reports indicate the talks may have been canceled due to intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Friday, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting at least 47 killed in Israeli attacks since midnight.

Khatibzadeh denounced the latest Israeli attacks in Lebanon, warning that Israel’s “continued war-making” would have “serious and immediate consequences.” He reiterated Iran’s pursuit of “peace on all fronts, including Gaza,” and explained that Lebanon was included in the MoU because of its direct connection to the conflict. Article 1 of the MoU explicitly states that ending the war in Lebanon is an integral part of the broader ceasefire arrangement across all fronts. “There will be no peace or stability in Lebanon and the region without ending the occupation and Israel’s commitment to international law,” he added.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Khatibzadeh said Iran would continue to provide navigation services in coordination with Oman and in accordance with international law. He added that Tehran would not impose passage fees during the 60-day period outlined by the agreement, but a new mechanism for managing the waterway would be introduced afterward and presented to regional countries. He also stressed that any future agreement must include the release of all frozen Iranian funds.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Friday that necessary consultations involving the US deal are being carried out through mediators, and an official announcement will be made once conditions for starting negotiations are met. Regarding the Lebanon ceasefire required for continued US-Iran talks, a Hezbollah official told Al Jazeera that the ceasefire would hold if Israel abides by it. Israel’s ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, stated on X: “Israel remains firmly committed to an immediate ceasefire. If Hezbollah honors the agreement and ceases its hostilities, they will be met with quiet.”