Ghalibaf says Iran-US deal is challenging but achievable

Speaking during separate meetings in Tehran with senior Hamas and Hezbollah officials attending the funeral ceremonies of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,

TEHRAN: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that implementing the recently signed memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States will be difficult but remains possible, while reaffirming Tehran’s long-standing positions on regional security and its support for allied groups.

Speaking during separate meetings in Tehran with senior Hamas and Hezbollah officials attending the funeral ceremonies of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ghalibaf said Iran would continue pursuing its strategic objectives through both diplomacy and deterrence. He stressed that negotiations should only take place when they produce meaningful results and not simply for the sake of dialogue.

Ghalibaf stated that Iran had insisted on including provisions in the memorandum related to protecting the territorial integrity of regional countries and ending military actions against groups allied with Tehran. According to him, these concerns were incorporated into the final text of the agreement.

He also maintained that Iran would continue supporting what it describes as the “axis of resistance,” saying the country remains committed to defending its regional allies through political and other means if necessary. He added that cooperation with the United States and Israel would not guarantee security for countries in the region.

Discussing Lebanon, Ghalibaf said lasting peace in the country would require Iran’s involvement, arguing that Tehran plays a key role in maintaining regional stability. He praised Hezbollah’s support for Iran during the recent conflict with Israel, describing the alliance as a defining moment that strengthened ties between Iran and its regional partners.

Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon have reportedly begun US-mediated military discussions aimed at preparing for a phased Israeli withdrawal from two villages in southern Lebanon. According to Israeli media reports, the talks are focused on defining security arrangements and ensuring the Lebanese Army is ready to assume control of the areas before Israeli forces withdraw.

The discussions follow a US-brokered framework agreement reached in late June, which outlines a gradual Israeli pullback linked to the deployment of Lebanese forces and expanded security responsibilities in the evacuated areas. Despite the agreement, Israeli military operations continue in parts of southern Lebanon as negotiations over the broader withdrawal process remain ongoing.