Iran Pushes for Lebanon Ceasefire as Diplomatic Talks Continue in Pakistan

11/04/2026

Iran Pushes for Lebanon Ceasefire as Diplomatic Talks Continue in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD (AP), Apr 11: Iran has described a ceasefire in Lebanon as a “basic demand” amid ongoing regional diplomacy mediated by Pakistan between Iran and the United States.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran has conveyed its position to Pakistani officials involved in facilitating discussions between the two sides. He stressed that the Lebanon issue remains central to Iran’s diplomatic stance as talks continue.

Baghaei said Iran views the current moment as a “particular moment,” adding that diplomacy is a “continuation of defense and a continuation of war,” highlighting the high-stakes nature of the negotiations. He also noted that “an intense struggle is underway on the diplomatic front.”

The remarks come as Israel continues strikes in Lebanon despite a previously announced ceasefire linked to broader U.S.-Iran understandings. Mediators have indicated that Lebanon is included in efforts to stabilize a two-week pause arrangement, though implementation remains uncertain.

In a parallel development, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf held talks in Islamabad with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif welcomed Iran’s participation in the discussions and reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a mediator seeking to promote “meaningful results in the interest of regional and global peace and stability.”

The Iranian delegation included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while Sharif was joined by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Officials did not disclose details of the discussions, and it remains unclear whether Sharif met the Iranian and U.S. delegations separately as mediation efforts continue to explore possible direct engagement aimed at reducing regional tensions.