Iranian warnings against the occupation undermining understandings with Washington regarding Gaza and Lebanon

Sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington revealed that the Gaza Strip issue represents a fundamental pillar in the spirit of the current understandings between the two parties. The sources clarified that any continuation of the escalation policy pursued by the Israeli occupation, whether in Gaza or on the Lebanese front, would undermine the foundations upon which the potential political agreement was built. This warning comes amid Iranian emphasis that regional stability cannot be fragmented, and that signing papers is not a sufficient guarantee without actual implementation.

For his part, US Vice President JD Vance outlined a broader framework for this agreement, indicating that it extends beyond bilateral relations to include arrangements concerning Lebanon and the Gulf states, in addition to the occupying state. Vance described this path as aiming to achieve comprehensive regional peace, reflecting the US administration's desire to calm inflamed fronts through major deals that ensure all parties' commitment to long-term de-escalation.

In the context of parallel diplomatic efforts, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, during coordination with his Lebanese counterpart Nabih Berri, stressed the necessity for Washington to exert real pressure to compel the occupation to cease its aggression. Both sides affirmed that ending the war on Lebanon is a top priority to ensure the success of any political path in the region, considering that the American role must shift from mediation to actual guarantee of a ceasefire.

On the procedural level, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that the withdrawal of the occupation army forces from Lebanese territories is not merely a demand, but a clause clearly included in the draft memorandum of understanding with the United States. Araghchi indicated that Tehran is seriously monitoring the seriousness of other parties in implementing these clauses, considering that the true measure of diplomatic success lies in tangible change on the ground and a complete cessation of military operations.

The arenas are interconnected, and what happens in Gaza affects the entire region, and commitment on the ground is the measure of success for any agreement.