Iran pledges close monitoring of Lebanon after signing peace MoU with US

Tehran - Iran will closely monitor the situation in Lebanon given that the cessation of hostilities in the region is part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Monday. “Going forward, we will carefully monitor developments (in Lebanon) and will use all necessary means, if required, to ensure the opposing party fulfils its obligations,” Baghaei said during a briefing. The diplomat added that ending the conflict in Lebanon is an integral part of the MoU on halting the war between Iran and the US. Baghaei stated that Iran will soon decide on the mechanism for signing the MoU. The prime minister of Pakistan, who acted as mediator in the deal, mentioned that the official signing ceremony will be held in Switzerland on Friday. “The issue of the method and mechanism for signing this memorandum of understanding will be decided finally today or tomorrow,” Baghaei noted. Baghaei also conveyed that Iranian representatives will visit several countries before the meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, which is the planned location for the signing of the MoU between Iran and the US. Earlier on Sunday (14/6), US President Donald Trump and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that work on the memorandum of understanding had been completed. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the MoU provides for the immediate cessation of military operations, including in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that the agreement between the US and Iran is not binding on Israel. Baghaei stressed that the United States will be obliged to lift all sanctions, both primary and secondary. UN Security Council sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must also be lifted, he added. Baghaei noted that these issues will be discussed within a 60-day deadline after the signing of the MoU. According to Araghchi, that period will be a negotiation phase that also includes resolving Iran’s nuclear issue and drafting a final agreement.