Tensions in the Middle East have increased as Iran believes that continuing peace talks with the US is "unreasonable" after Israeli attacks.
The above statement by Mr. Mohammed Bager Qalibaf - Head of the Iranian negotiating delegation, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament, on April 9 was made in the context of Israel conducting the most intense airstrikes against Lebanon, killing hundreds of people. According to him, these military actions have violated many conditions of the ceasefire agreement announced earlier.
Mr. Qalibaf said that in the current situation, moving towards a bilateral ceasefire agreement or conducting negotiations is inappropriate. Iran also accused the US of violating the agreement by asking Tehran to abandon its nuclear program.
Meanwhile, the US and Israel affirmed that the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that attacks will continue, emphasizing that Israel is always ready to return to fighting at any time.
US Vice President JD Vance said Iran may have misunderstood the scope of the agreement. He is also expected to lead the US delegation in upcoming talks, although the possibility of maintaining a ceasefire is still unclear.
Differences between the two sides also revolve around Iran's nuclear program. President Donald Trump declared that Tehran has agreed to stop enriching uranium and transfer existing reserves. However, Mr. Qalibaf affirmed that Iran still has the right to continue this operation under agreed terms.
Along with diplomatic developments, conflict is still spreading. Hezbollah in Lebanon has launched missiles into northern Israel in response to attacks that they consider to be a breach of ceasefire. Many European countries, along with Japan and Canada, are calling for an end to fighting to avoid a global energy crisis.
Iran has also expanded attacks targeting energy facilities in the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz continues to be tightly controlled, disrupting oil and gas transportation.
Although both the US and Iran declared victory after more than 5 weeks of conflict, core disagreements have not been resolved, putting the prospect of peace in front of many challenges.
