Iranian Foreign Minister Says Gaza Included in Negotiations with US

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Hamas official Bassem Naim that Tehran is discussing Israel’s actions in Gaza during international talks and ongoing negotiations with the United States, pledging continued support for Palestine. According to Iranian state television, the two officials discussed developments in Palestine and the surrounding region during a phone call, focusing particularly on the current stage of US-Iran negotiations. Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Palestinian people and their national rights, stressing that Tehran will continue to back the Palestinian struggle. He also conveyed to Naim that the Palestinian issue will remain part of Iran’s agenda in negotiations with Washington. The discussions took place as Iran and the United States commenced the first round of technical talks in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. Both sides reportedly agreed on arrangements and mechanisms for the next phase of negotiations, following up on a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasised that regional issues, including developments in Palestine and Lebanon, remain a primary concern as discussions on implementing the agreement continue. The first clause of the memorandum signed by Iran and the United States calls for an immediate and permanent halt to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Despite the framework of the agreement, Israeli attacks have continued in both Gaza and Lebanon. According to official Palestinian data, 1,027 Palestinians have been killed and 3,280 wounded since the ceasefire came into effect on 11 October. Additionally, 785 bodies have been recovered during the same period. The total death toll since the start of the war in Gaza on 7 October 2023 has reached 73,039 Palestinians, with 173,388 injured. Palestinian officials have also warned of escalating attacks by Israeli occupation forces and settlers across the occupied West Bank, highlighting killings, abuse, property destruction, land confiscation, and expanding settlement activity that continues to displace Palestinian communities.