In a critical move toward regional stability, a senior Iranian official has revealed that a preliminary draft agreement between Tehran and Washington proposes a comprehensive 60-day ceasefire across all active fronts, including Lebanon. This development comes as efforts to end months of regional conflict face significant strains.
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, deputy head of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, stated that the draft accord envisions a total halt to hostilities as the primary phase of the agreement. The move is seen as a pivotal step in de-escalating a volatile security environment.
Tensions Amidst Diplomacy
The announcement follows a period of heightened friction. Iran recently accused the United States of violating a fragile ceasefire after strikes occurred near the Strait of Hormuz. While Tehran described the action as a "gross violation" of a ceasefire that had been in place for nearly seven weeks, Washington maintained that the strikes were defensive, targeting missile sites and vessels allegedly attempting to lay mines in the strategic waterway.
Simultaneously, the region remains on edge as Israel launched more than 120 air strikes across Lebanon, marking some of the heaviest bombardments in recent weeks. Iran has consistently pushed for the cessation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon as a core component of any broader agreement.
The Path to a Final Agreement
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that finalizing the agreement could take a few more days, following progress on an initial memorandum of understanding. Beyond the immediate ceasefire, the preliminary deal is intended to serve as a framework for deeper negotiations, specifically concerning Iran's nuclear program and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
According to Iranian media, a primary sticking point in negotiations held in Qatar is Tehran's request for access to approximately $24 billion in frozen funds, which remains a central focus of the current discussions.
Strategic Perspectives
Despite the volatility, some Iranian military officials express confidence in their strategic standing. Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, suggested that the likelihood of a full-scale war with the United States is low, citing what he described as the vulnerability of the opponent.
Akbarzadeh further noted that the United States and Europe remain susceptible to energy market disruptions caused by instability in the region, suggesting that Washington is negotiating from a position of weakness while Iranian forces remain fully prepared.
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Iran says draft deal with US includes 60-day ceasefire on all fronts
cgtn.com
